Dining With Madonna No More, Rio Grapples With Rising Crime
- Cargo theft and violence rising as law enforcement falters
- ‘We know that the state doesn’t have any money to invest’
A street car passes by a sign warning against robberies in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio.
Photographer: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
In Rio de Janeiro’s bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, the rain-forest chic Aprazivel restaurant is nearly empty on what should be a busy Saturday night.
Celebrities including Madonna and Tom Cruise have enjoyed the stunning views and tropical dishes at the landmark Rio eatery. But these days even natives are reluctant to risk driving after dark to the hilltop spot because the surrounding area has seen a spike in violent crime, said co-owner Pedro Hermeto.