All that is good advice for travel to any city.

Have to say that on several trips to Rio I haven't seen any more evidence of pickpockets/muggers than other major cities including London. (Of course, all bets are off if you go wandering through some of the favelas and other no-go areas)

I know not getting done is hardly scientific evidence but just looking at the way everybody walks around pretty freely, with shoulder bags etc, and handbags under the table in restaurants etc it doesn't seem to me to merit the reputation it's acquired.

I had more trouble in BaAs. Got dipped twice in four days there Ended up padlocking the zips on my handbag