While the majority of visitors can enjoy Rio’s charm and excitement without incident, it is worth keeping in mind that Rio is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Hence be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on transport. Buses are well-known for being targets for thieves so avoid using them after dark and take taxis instead. Purse and bag-snatching is also common around the beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema, especially during the summer when the beaches are crowded so don’t take valuables to the beach. Extra caution is advised at night; do not visit the beaches if you can help it and try to keep of the sand. Avoid the backstreets between Copacabana Palace and Rua Figueiredo de Magalhaes and while the areas around Saint Teresa are a lot safer, walking around them and the streets near Largo das Neves should be done with caution. Scams are also known in the beach area. A common one is for a thief to approach you on one side for the time or cigarettes. While you’re distracted, another thief will try to grab your bag from the other side. If you do have the misfortune to be robbed, hand over your valuables; thieves in this city are only too willing to use their weapons to get their point across. Rio has Tourist Police (Av Afranio de Melo Franco 159, Leblon, 3399 7170, available 24hrs), who are helpful, multilingual and efficient should you need assistance; all main tourist areas are patrolled by them.