Beware of Knife Wielding Thugs Outside Rio Disco, Help !

Posted By: BKKVET <jlbinasia@hotmail.com>
Date: 10/2/2001

Although, I usually spend most of my travel time in Asia, on occasion I get down to South America. In the past I have felt that most of Avenue Atlantico in Copacabana, Rio was safe for walking at night due to it being well lit and with a heavy police presence. 2 years ago I walked on it with the hassles at all.

Things have changed. On 9-28-01, my second night here, I left the "Help" Disco at 0340AM. I know it was late but I thought I could at least walk one block away to catch a taxi. The taxis that perch like vultures outside of the disco have a bad reputation for overcharging and not using their meters.

I did not even make it 1/2 a block from the disco when I was set upon by 2 robbers. It was on Avenue Atlantico, right before you get to Meia Pataca Restaurant. One of them waving waving an 8 inch knife in my face and screaming "Money" at the top of his lungs. I always thought I would just give up my wallet under such circumstances, but my very existence seemed under attack, so without thinking, I grabbed his knife hand and the fight was on. I felt that if I could control the blade I would be okay. After a brief struggle he was able to push me free and I fell to the ground. He advanced, but I was able to keep him away by kicking at him. They turned and ran back in the direction of the disco, while I scrambled up and went in the other direction. I ran into a police car about 100 yards away and reported it, but since nothing was taken, the officer didn't seem to think a crime occurred.

I didn't get off completely free as my new trousers were torn, my wristwatch was broken (Thankfully it was a cheap one!) and I had several superficial cuts on my arm from the knife along with a few abrasions on my hand and knee.

My advice to TSMers in Rio. No street in Rio is "safe" at night. Enjoy yourselves, but don't drink so much that you are unaware of your surroundings and those looking to prey on you. At night, take a taxi from the one front door to another. Pay the extra money to bandit cabs in front of "Help". Trying to save the $2or$3US they will cheat you out isn't worth the risks that you subject yourself to.

On a positive note, I just got back from Termas Rio Antigo in the Gloria District. Thanks for the tip from Wilmaflint posted on 6-13-2001. The facilities are the best I have experienced and the garotas plentiful as well as beautiful. I took the Metro from Copacabana to the Gloria station. (Only 1.30R) It is only a few block walk North on Rua da Gloria. When you get to Rua Joaquim Silva cross the street, and go East on Rua Joaquim Silva one long block. You will find it on the corner of Rua Joaquim Silva and Avenida Augusto Severo.

Prices are; 40Real admission, 120R for 40 Minutes in Cabina, 180R for 60 Minutes in a Suite, and 220R for 60 Minutes in a suite with a Jacuzzi. Business is open 2:00PM- 1200Midnight Monday-Friday. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Not a bargain basement place, but for those who like to go first class, I think you will enjoy it. It is so squeaky clean new, with marble everywhere, it is makes Termas Centaurus in Impanema Beach look like a dump!

Re: I posted on this back in August........

Posted By: Ranger <dfowler503@att.net>
Date: 10/3/2001 01:58

In Response To: Beware of Knife Wielding Thugs Outside Rio Disco, Help ! (BKKVET)

I was mugged twice in one week by guys with knives on the corner of Miguel Lemos and Atlantica (that's the street between HELP and Mea Pattaca). You really have no choice but to take the overpriced Taxis in front of HELP. That area is really bad, when I was there in July one of the waiters at the cafe in front of HELP told me someone is mugged on that corner every night.

Funny I wrote 3 days ago not to walk anywhere at night. If mugged, just give your money

Posted By: Brazil_Specialist <1234567@innocent.com>
Date: 10/3/2001 01:41

In Response To: Beware of Knife Wielding Thugs Outside Rio Disco, Help ! (BKKVET)

give it carefully, so they don't think you are taking a weapon out of your pocket.

Usually, if you don't fight there is no violence. They just want your money. And always take at least R$ 30 or R$ 50 with you as not to annoy them.

But it is useless to play a hero. I once read of the Karate black belt who thought he could resist a 12 year old. His 13 year old friend just shot him.

It is a sad situation, but you are not the one to change it.

the police reaction was quite bad. but it is true, unless they see the guy running and catch him in the act, police will not have much of a chance. There are probably 20 000 such muggings per day, and police has not much chance catching these guys.

You could have tried to flag down a taxi that drives by in front of help instead of taking one that waits there.

Its funny: people think it is safe if they walk for a week and don't get mugged.

Re: Beware of Knife Wielding Thugs Outside Rio Disco, Help !

Posted By: homerj <homerj456@yahoo.com>
Date: 10/3/2001 19:18

In Response To: Beware of Knife Wielding Thugs Outside Rio Disco, Help ! (BKKVET)

Just got back from Rio, a report will be coming shortly. As far as muggings, I felt very unsafe, but I was purposely paranoid. I walked back from Help to Bolivar (3 blocks away from help, past mia pataca) twice at 1 - 2 AM. Each time, my head was practically on a swival, and I pretty much ignored my young lady's affections, except to hurry her up. Once I saw a group of young men / teenagers who were staring at me and my lady very hard as we walked by.

I also walked to Mabs and Barbarella after midnight by myself, and back to Bolivar without incident (I like to walk, it helps burn all the calories from the gigantic portions they serve you). Again, I was always aware of who was near me and would either slow down and veer away or speed up if people got too close. If the muggers think that they will not be able to surprise you, they may let you pass for easier prey.

Some thoughts... if you are with a lady, you should take a cab (even if it is only 3 blocks). The problem is that you are very vulnerable with a lady, as now you can't simply run at the first sign of trouble.

Re: I posted on this back in August........

Posted By: Serge <mjesse@terra.com>
Date: 10/3/2001 19:24

In Response To: Re: I posted on this back in August........ (Ranger)

It's kind of disturbing that this is happening on Avenida Atlantico with the supposed increased police presence. I've pretty much always known that N.S. Cocacabana and the side streets are dicey in the wee hours. About four years ago on N.S. Cocacabana two guys latched on to my arms like so many remora fish and tried to go through my pockets. We tussled for what seemed to be a long time before one guy tore the pocket and ran off cackling with about 50 of my reals. I was then able to pin his buddy against a car and started throwing right hands. After dodging a few of them (I couldn't catch him flush-he was very slippery) the guy looks up at me with a baffled expression as if to say "hey, what are you doing, its nothing personal gringo, and besides it's over." I thought "ah, what the fuck" and let him go.

It was really his cackling buddy that I wanted anyway. I never felt in fear of my life or anything while this happening (though I did wish I had done more aerobic type exercises in the past) but it does illustrate the different type of muggings that take place. I would be careful at the CityBank at the Blockbuster. If possible go to the one in Ipanema. As for the extortionist cabs in front of Help, walk right past them toward the beach (not along the Avenida sidewalk) and hail a metered cab. It seems that there are always some whizzing bye. I also noticed that most of this stuff is happening to dudes who fly solo or who are alone with a garata. Hmm, I've walked solo up and down Avenida Atlantico many many times at night without mishap (not without apprehension at times), but I just might now have to rethink my strategy (other then staying in Ipanema or Leblon--which is fine too).