The High-Tech Security Gadgets Of Crime-Fearing Brazilians

In Sao Paulo, where at least one person is kidnapped every day and thousands more are victims of robbery, Brazil still counts armored cars as a necessity, not a luxury.

Despite the hefty price of $20,000-$55,000 to armor a car, everyone who can afford it does it. One Sao Paulo businessman interviewed in the 2007 documentary on Sao Paulo crime, Manda Bala expressed his fear, “it’s unimaginable to not have a bullet proof car in Sao Paulo. I would go nuts.”

This trend started in the early to mid 90’s but the NY Times is just getting around to reporting it now. Here are some more recent high-tech security measures Paulistanos are shelling out for:

Helicopters

Sao Paulo is known for having the largest fleet of private or rentable helicopters of any city, and those who can afford it travel literally above the crime, instead of risking travel in the crowded streets. Some malls and night clubs actually have a helicopter landing pad for their guests.

Lojack tracking devices for humans.

This technology is still being tested but a lot of rich Paulistanos are really excited about the possibility of a getting a chip implanted in their body that would allow them to be tracked at all times. Of course we can’t help but think of the scene from The Matrix when Neo gets the little tracking bug sucked out of him–and if kidnappers think nothing of hacking off ears, what’s to stop them from cutting out tracking chips?

GPS lingerie.

Designer Lindelucy says their line of special GPS-capable lingerie (retailing for $800-$1000) is meant more as a sexy statement–their tag line is “Find Me If You Can.” But some women have expressed interest in the garments as a security measure. But again, what’s to stop your captors from easily discovering the wallet-sized device, “hidden” under a sheer mesh bodysuit?

For those who can’t afford private helicopters, armor-plated hummers and GPS-thongs, “safety” in Sao Paulo remains an elusive ideal.

Despite Recession, Fearful Brazilians Keep Armored Car Sales Booming [New York Times]