While arguably the biggest sporting event in the world makes its way to Brazil in a few weeks, the World Cup is being held in the backdrop of spikes in crime and violence as of late.

Across Brazil, muggings are starting to become more prevalent. According to Brazil's ISP security statistics agency via the Huffington Post, muggings on Rio's bus fleet in 2014, estimated at 420 such crimes, are double that of last year, when they numbered 195. In Copacabana, Rio's premier neighborhood, general muggings are also on the rise, escalating 60 percent. Just last year, three men were convicted of gang-raping an American student on a bus in Copacabana in a case that drew worldwide attention. The men assaulted the 21-year-old woman, breaking her nose and attacking her in front of a male companion who accompanied her, who was bound and beaten with a metal bar during the attack; the pair were also forced to take out cash to give their assailants.

For years, Brazil has been riddled with violent crimes such as muggings, kidnapping and gang violence; the Daily Mail estimates that this year's World Cup host country suffers roughly 28 murders per 100,000 residents. But fueling the fire are the nationwide protests from residents angry about the costs of the World Cup amid poverty and labor from across the board demanding better pay. Such a strike took place this week as teachers were joined by hundreds more to protest their working conditions and salary. In addition, Brazil's civil police, who are demanding an 80 percent pay raise, staged a one-day walkout only 22 days before the tournament's kickoff.

The U.S. State Department has warned that such political strikes "may cause temporary disruption to public and private transportation." Furthermore, the department is advising that U.S. citizens traveling abroad take precautions such as avoiding large gatherings where people are protesting and to take caution when traveling near the Colombian border of the country, where terrorist groups have been known to abduct residents and tourists.

5 Things to Know If You Are Planning to Go

Still, high crime rates may not be enough to deter some of the most avid fans from attending World Cup festivities in Brazil.

Chris E. McGoey, a renowned security expert of 44 years, spoke with Latin Post Tuesday to discuss safety procedures tourists should undertake. Normally, according to McGoey, tourists could go to high-traffic areas and be "reasonably safe" as long as they remain vigilant of pick pockets and camera and purse snatchers. However, with the possibility of the police in Brazil going on strike, areas like Rio de Janeiro will be quite vulnerable.

"The criminal gangs of Rio will view the World Cup as a golden opportunity to prey on unsuspecting tourists unless there is a large police presence," he said.

With that in mind, there are a few helpful tips shared by travel and security experts that could make the trip to Brazil both a safe and fun one.

1. Know Where You Are at All Times

The U.S. Department of State has pointed out that the areas with the highest crime rates in Brazil tend to be areas where hotels are located, public transportation centers and tourist areas. However, according to McGoey, one should avoid the temptation of using a map in public.

"To openly carry a map and constantly asking directions is a dead giveaway and makes you susceptible to approach by a con man," he said. McGoey also advises tourists to travel in groups.

2. Dressing Down, Avoid Flashy Jewelry

Pickpocketing and theft is pretty common in Brazil with thieves targeting hand luggage and laptops. When in public, it may be possible to avoid drawing the attention of thieves by dressing down. As Travel Channel suggests, one way to do that is to wear items like jeans and sneakers, as wearing vacation-like attire could actually attract unwanted attention. Try to avoid wearing jewelry, especially flashy items, which are easily spotted by thieves. Portable tech items like smart phones, tablets and cameras are also best left at home.

3. Be Smart on Public transportation

Since buses tend to be the target of robbers, travelers should consider alternate means of transportation. For example, Trip Advisor suggests taking a taxi at night instead of a bus, especially when heading to locations that one is not familiar with. Consider calling ahead for a cab rather than waiting for one in the street.

4. Go Insured

Anything can happen while abroad, so it's always best to be prepared. And having a comprehensive travel insurance policy could go a long way towards protecting one's assets. Erasing Borders, a Visa advice website, urges travelers to get covered before traveling to Brazil. "The insurance needs to cover you from the onset of your journey until your return home. Some activities may not be covered with your policy. Take into account also, that many incidents that can occur, are often deemed as 'Acts of God' and are not covered by some policies," the site states.

5. Avoid Partying Too Hard With Alcohol

Be careful when hitting the local clubs and hot spots in Brazil, as alcohol consumption can impair your judgment, which makes the situation more dangerous for travelers. Avoid getting intoxicated on alcohol. Travel Channel advises that women also be careful and watch their drinks carefully in order to avoid those with bad intentions putting a drug of some sort into their drinks. McGoey also agrees that sobriety is a tourist's best friend in those situations and that people should remember to "not have too much fun."

"Rio is beautiful with very nice people. However, Rio has a very high crime rate especially during a festival, carnival and now the World Cup," McGoey said.

On the subject of whether or not tourists should bring self-defense items like pepper spray, McGoey said it was not an advisable tactic, as such items couldn't clear airplane security and could give one a false sense of confidence.

"Pepper spray provides a false sense of security and might make people think that it's okay to go into an area that common sense would advise otherwise," he said. "The best weapon is using your brain and good planning to be safe."