Rio De Janeiro, June 29: Rio de Janeiro conjures up images of sun-soaked bodies and glistening beaches. But, underlying one of the world's most glamorous cities, there's been a crime rate which threatens to send most tourists packing -- and the city has decided to fight back to protect the tourist industry. When you think Rio, you picture this, long white sandy beaches, tanned bodies enjoying the sunshine and the world famous Copacobana. Every year thousands of tourists are drawn to this beach to soak up some of the atmosphere of one of the world's most glamorous cities. But many go home with memories not advertised in the brochure. Over the past few years Brazil's crime rate has soared, with homeless people and children roaming the streets robbing tourists. Murders are also increasing alarmingly putting Brazil's rate just below countries such as Colombia, South Africa and Jamaica. But local and state governments have recently decided enough is enough, and have introduced a new anti-crime operation.


Rio's Security Secretary thinks the 200 new police cars and over a thousand new recruits will make the difference.


Antony Garotinho, Rio De Janeiro Security Secretary, said, "What we want to do is give a jolt of security to the tourist region in Rio."


Residents of Copacabana have welcomed the effort. Rio's crime rate has threatened to send a lot of tourists packing but authorities hope this new program is all that's needed to make sure this place stays the hottest spot north of Havana.

Bureau Report