“Perdeu, passa o celular": um estudo sobre vitimização por roubo de celulares e seus desdobramentos

Abstract

The study aimed to understand the responses and reactions of victims of cell phone theft in Salvador, Bahia, as well as the characteristics of interactions between targets and robbers that influence the intensification of violence against the victims. A qualitative methodology was used, in which data from semi-structured interviews and journalistic articles were examined. The results founded allow us to affirm that the cell phone, understood as a hot product, is the item most coveted by robbers during street robberies. It identifies that these devices, described as indispensable by their users, can be easily converted into money on the illicit market or, more currently, through theft followed by extortion through banking applications. The most relevant factors capable of influencing coercive interactions between targets and assailants: the degree of movement in the location; whether the victims were alone or not; the presence of close people or family members during the robbery; the reactions of spectators or companions. Note that the providences taken after the theft can be formal and informal. It was identified that the victims have disbelief regarding the recovery of the stolen property through the registration of the police report. It states that victimization can generate massive impacts on people. In addition to the physical, practical, financial and psychological consequences, mobile devices contain a wealth of personal information and valuable data, which can be used as a gateway to new types of crimes. It was observed that users adopt several procedures in their daily lives to manage the risks related to cell phone theft. It argues that fear of street robberies is the main cause of attempts to restrict the use of these devices in public spaces. In conclusion, the intensification of violence by robbers is directly related to forms of resistance used by victims and understands that the course of forced encounters depends on the mutual participation of victims and robbers, and can also be influenced by the participation of spectators and companions.