Thief in Rio

Rio and all Brazilian ports have problems with street crime. My friend Mary and I were in Rio, March 22-24, 2010, and while walking on the sidewalk close to Copacabana beach, Mary’s gold chain was ripped from her neck by a thief on a bicycle.

The police and the staff of our hotel, the Windsor Martinique (Dec. ’10, pg. 30), were sympathetic, and after she returned home the police sent an e-mail to Mary with photos of men to see if she could identify the thief, but this was impossible as it had happened too fast.

Travelers are advised to not wear any jewelry, even watches, when walking in the streets of most Brazilian ports.

If you are alert to these situations, Brazil is an interesting and good vacation choice.

WILLIE K. FRIAR
Lafayette, CO