São Paulo Reports Historic Drop in Robberies Amid Police Staffing Challenges

São Paulo experienced a significant improvement in public safety in January 2026, with the lowest number of robberies recorded in its historical data. According to the São Paulo State Public Security Secretariat (SSP), there were 12,100 robbery incidents, representing a 24% decrease compared to January 2025 when 15,972 cases were reported. This decline translates to 3,844 fewer robbery occurrences. Notably, vehicle robberies fell by 41%, cargo thefts dropped by 27.4%, and overall thefts reduced by 8%, highlighting a positive trend in crime reduction across the state.

This crime reduction occurs within the context of challenges faced by the São Paulo police force. Tarcísio de Freitas, the governor since 2023 and member of the Republicanos party, oversees public security efforts amid a complex situation. Despite the positive crime figures, recent reports indicate a troubling staffing crisis within law enforcement. Under the leadership of Secretary of Security Guilherme Derrite, the number of police personnel assigned to government authorities has risen sharply by 65%. Meanwhile, the overall police force is declining, nearing its lowest levels in a century. This diminished force also impacts the Polícia Civil, the state's civil police, complicating efforts to maintain and improve public safety.

Tarcísio de Freitas, former Minister of Infrastructure under President Jair Bolsonaro and a civil engineer with a military background, now governs São Paulo during these shifting dynamics in public security. The simultaneous improvement in crime statistics and the police force's staffing issues underscore a complex public safety environment that the current administration must navigate carefully.