A spree of “pirate” raids on vacation homes around the chic Brazilian beach resort of Angra dos Reis has led police to mount air and sea patrols over the holiday season, a security official said on Thursday.
Gangs of thieves landing from boats have robbed several beach houses in the Angra area of Rio de Janeiro state in recent weeks.
Some of Brazil’s wealthiest socialites have vacation homes in Angra or on the small islands that dot the coast.
The latest victim was popular TV variety show host Luciano Huck, whose mansion was invaded on Monday morning by seaborne robbers. They made off with a boat, electronic gear and drinks.
After rich homeowners complained to officials, police said a helicopter and a patrol boat with armed officers will roam the coast and islands over the holiday period, the official said. The residents offered to pay some of the costs.
The Brazilian summer started on Tuesday and the holiday season stretches through Christmas and New Year and winds down after Carnival in February.