Bulletproof boom: armored cars in Latin America

[AsahinaKimi]

In this photo taken Nov. 18, 2011, a man assembles a brand new armored car in Cagua, Venezuela. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

CAGUA, Venezuela (AP) -- Ever since a gunman tried to rob his father, Venezuelan businessman Dumas Rojas has insisted on driving cars armored with windows strong enough to withstand the bullets of a .44 Magnum.

Rojas also decided to have the same level 3 armor installed on the Jeep his wife drives with their two small children.

"As far as I'm concerned, personal security right now is priceless," said Rojas, 33. While it's sad that such measures are necessary, he said, "in any area, you're exposed to being attacked, robbed, kidnapped."

In Latin American countries from Brazil to Mexico, the affluent are increasingly shielding their cars as a precaution against violence that has thrived due to weak police forces, easy access to guns and young, unemployed men on the lookout for lucrative targets.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/odd/news/20111202p2g00m0dm084000c.html

[provis99]

1. tough shit, rich people!

How come the criminals in America don't go into rich neighborhoods and rob the rich? They always seem to go after people in their own poverty-stricken neighborhoods.