RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security on Monday announced its decision to send extra troops to the northeastern state of Ceara over a recent crime wave there.

Last week, Ceara received the first shipment of National Security Force troops and vehicles, but the intensified crime wave prompted the ministry to decide for reinforcement.

A total of 76 men will add to the 330 soldiers already in the state. In addition to the National Security Force, the four states of Bahia, Pernambuco, Piaui, and Santa Catarina sent police officers to Ceara as well.

The crime wave started on Jan. 2. In the past days, there were over 150 prison riots and attacks on public buildings, shops, and vehicles. Earlier on Monday, 23 inmates escaped from a local prison.

The attacks occurred in 37 towns, including state capital Fortaleza, which is facing troubles with a reduced number of buses in the streets. Garbage collection has also been affected.

According to the Ceara state government, so far 148 people were arrested for involvement in the crimes.