RIO DE JANEIRO, May 12 -- FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke has denied claims football fans face a greater security threat during this year's World Cup in Brazil than at previous tournaments.

Media reports have cited rising street crime and civil unrest as concerns for fans attending the June 12-July 13 tournament.

But in an interview published on FIFA.com on Monday, Valcke urged traveling supporters not to let safety fears detract from the excitement of the World Cup.

"Security is an issue everywhere in the world. It also depends on the way you behave," Valcke said.

"Make sure that you just enjoy Brazil as Brazil is. If you are told in certain cities that you should not walk in certain zones, you should follow that. There are zones and parts of cities where you don't go. It's not only in Brazil, all over the world it's like this."

According to official figures, there were 37,412 muggings in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, up 19% on the previous year.

Brazil's image has been further tarnished by recent clashes between police and drug traffickers in Rio's slums and sometimes violent anti-government protests that began during the Confederations Cup last June.

Valcke said FIFA has done all it can to guarantee fan safety in each of Brazil's 12 World Cup host cities.

"The security in and around the stadiums is no issue. Everything is organized here, the same goes for the fan fests," he said.

"It' s a time to enjoy yourself. The security in general is good. Brazil is regularly organizing major events. Generally speaking, you are a guest of the country and you should always respect the country where you are."

Despite ongoing construction work at three World Cup stadiums, Valcke insists the country will be ready before the first match between Brazil and Croatia in Sao Paulo on June 12.

"We will do our homework, installing all our systems in the stadiums," Valcke said, "That's also an important part of the structure of a World Cup. You feel that the competition is coming, so there is an excitement."