World Cup 2014: Brazil police advise tourists not to argue if they are targeted by robbers

Pamphlets are to be handed out to visitors warning against the threat of mugging ending in homicide

Police in Brazil are warning World Cup visitors “not to react” if they are mugged during the football tournament.

Sao Paulo civil police are issuing guidance to those who “have no idea how to behave in a city as violent as Sao Paulo”, Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper reported.

Pamphlets to be distributed by embassies and consulates give the following advice about what to do in the case of an armed robbery: “Do not react, do not yell or argue.”

Mario Leite, president of the committee dealing with World Cup security, told the newspaper that the brochures aim to prevent visitors fighting back against thieves, who are increasingly likely to murder their victims.

He said: “Tourists come mainly from Europe and the United States, where they do not see this crime very often. Since they’re not used to it, they will react to an assault.”

Mr Leite also advised tourists not to walk around with valuable items on display, to avoid being alone in the streets at night and to ensure that no one is following them.

“There is no use crying over spilled milk,” he said, emphasising the necessity of such precautionary measures that might seem extreme to foreign visitors.

At least 600,000 travellers are expected to arrive in Brazil during the football tournament, which runs from 12 June until 13 July.

Brazil is one of the most violent countries in the world, with a homicide rate of 25.2 per 100,000 inhabitants.