Clara Nery: Shocking footage as reporter has phone stolen in drive-by before going live
The shocking moment a reporter had her phone stolen in a drive-by mugging just moments before going live on TV has been captured on camera.
Brazilian TV reporter Clara Nery was preparing to go live for Band network’s Bora Brasil morning show in Botafogo in southern Rio de Janeiro on July 28, when the robbery occurred.
In footage captured by the cameraman, Ms Nery is seen typing on her phone on the sidewalk, with her back turned to the thief as he flew past on a motorbike and snatched the phone out of her hand.
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Ms Nery screamed and immediately chased after the mugger, leaving her post on the sidewalk.
“I had my back turned when this man rode by on a motorcycle on the sidewalk and tried to take my phone,” Nery said.
“In the video, you can see the moment he puts his hand on my phone and takes it from me.
“Luckily, I was holding on tightly.”
Fortunately, the clumsy criminal dropped the phone and Nery was able to recover her device.
“Luckily, and despite his lack of skill, I managed to retrieve the phone,” the Band reporter revealed.
“But we already have the security camera footage, the camera that managed to focus on his face.”
Following the incident, Rio de Janeiro Military Police unit searched the area but were unsuccessful in finding the suspect, whose face was captured by CCTV surveillance, according to MailOnline.
Clery took to social media to show her appreciation for the support she had received following the terrifying incident.
“A scare of those to go live, but the important thing is that everything turned out fine! Thank you for the messages and support from colleagues from the Military police and Civil police,” the translated caption read.
According to the Band network, the motorcycle’s license plate was covered by a piece of cardboard.
Phone theft in Brazil is of high concern, with many tourists warned of the dangers as the Rio de Janeiro Public Security Institute reported a 27 per cent rise in cell phones being stolen in June with more than 2300, compared to 1808 in June 2024.
