Rio de Janeiro's crime problem illustrated by attempted mugging of woman being interviewed about lack of police live on TV

As if to illustrate the problems of crime in the city a remarkable video clip has emerged of a woman being mugged live on TV

The thief made off with the necklace

Chronic delays in construction and infrastructure development, anti-inequality protests leading to riots and widespread fears of social unrest have dogged the build-up to this year's World Cup in Brazil.

Another of the fears regularly expressed by potential visitors relates to Rio de Janeiro's crime problem.

Rio de Janeiro has seen a surge in violent crime just months before Rio welcomes tens of thousands of football fans for the World Cup.

Brazil is now sending federal troops to the city to help reduce the rise in crime.

Concerns over safety and the speed of construction have also caused some to suggest there should be a 'Plan B' for the country's hosting of the Olympics in 2016.

As if to illustrate the problems of crime in the city a remarkable video clip has emerged of a woman being mugged live on TV on the streets of Rio whilst being asked about the lack of police in Rio.

The woman, whose name has not been given, is being interviewed on RJTV when a thief attempts to snatch her gold necklace. The thief was left empty-handed but did break the gold chain of the necklace in the audacious attempt.

The video shows the interviewer half-heartedly giving chase as the would-be criminal flees across a busy road.

In August of last year there were an astonishing 406 killings in the city and surrounding state, representing an increase of 40 per cent on the year before.