While there are no large-scale incidents aimed at westerners or tourists in Brazil, political and labor-related incidents occasionally occur and may disrupt public transportation or, in some cases, cause physical harm to inadvertant bystanders.

The crime rate in Brazil is very high. In fact, its murder rate is four times that of the United States. The drug trade and organized crime contribute greatly to this. Avoid travel at night, as there are increasing incidents of roadside robberies, both in rural and urban areas. Another area of concern is robberies and "quicknapping" at ATM facilities. Quicknapping involves the abduction of the victim in order to obtain a quick payoff from his/her family, or business, or ATM card.

Crime against tourists is especially prevalent during celebrations such as Carnaval, the Brazilian Mardi Gras, and in areas frequented by tourists. Like honey for ants, airports, hotels, and bus stops are congregating places for thieves, who will pick your pocket, steal your luggage, and take anything not nailed down while you're not looking. Dress conservatively, hide jewelry (even your cheap Walmart Timex), and keep your money in a money belt inside your clothes. Using the bus is not recommended, as robberies occur regularly on board. Present, as best you can, an air of confidence as you travel around Fortaleza. Any signs or intimations of helplessness may draw those who will easily take advantage of you  

Leave your humanitarian tendencies at home (or at least curb them), as you will be soundly taken advantage of by innocent-seeming strangers. Avoid poor sections of the country as they are crime-ridden and are not patrolled by police at all.