The Consulate-General frequently records reports from Brazilian travelers who have had belongings and documents stolen during their stay in Florida.
Last year, the Consulate became aware of 269 thefts involving Brazilian tourists. So far this year, 93 cases have been reported. A significant portion of the thefts occurs in parking lots of
shopping malls, supermarkets, and restaurants.
However, the recorded theft numbers indicate that the incidence is low compared to the absolute volume of Brazilian visitors in Florida. According to data from Visit Florida (a public-private organization linked to the state government), the U.S. state welcomed 1.051 million Brazilians in 2016. In 2015, there were 1.475 million.
It is important to keep in mind that not all Brazilians who are victims of theft report their cases to the Consulate-General.
In addition to providing appropriate consular assistance, the Consulate-General maintains direct contact with local law enforcement authorities and tourism-related institutions in order to coordinate efforts to prevent and assist travelers who are victims of theft in Florida.
1. Tips to prevent theft:
a) Park your vehicle in a safe location;
b) Never leave belongings in the vehicle (such as passports, shopping bags, electronic products);
c) At the beach, do not leave your belongings unattended;
d) Do not hand your belongings to strangers (e.g., when trying on clothes in clothing stores, do not allow the salesperson to hold your belongings); and
e) Be even more vigilant in crowded places frequented by tourists, such as shopping centers, hotels, theme parks, and parking lots (paid or not).
Tourists passing through Florida should take the same precautions they would in any major urban center.
2. In case of theft:
a) Contact local police by calling 911 to file a report;
b) Contact the Consulate-General in Miami to report the incident, especially in case of loss of documents; and
c) As soon as you return to Brazil, inform Brazilian law enforcement authorities and the issuing agencies of the stolen documents.
After contacting the police at 911, victims can reach the Consulate-General through the phones (305) 285-6208/6258/6251 or by email: assistência.miami@itamaraty.gov.br.
Source: Bulletin of the Network of Brazilians in Florida


