Mexico: Crime rates continue to rise nationwide

Event

According to government statistics, crime rates continued to increase in the first quarter of 2018 compared to last year. In April, 2720 people were murdered across the country. Between January and April, a total of 10,395 homicides were recorded, more than any other period in the past two decades. The increase in violent crime has been largely linked to the upcoming elections set for July 1. Theft has also risen this year, particularly freight train robberies. According to Mexico’s federal rail agency, incidents in the first quarter of 2018 rose from 561 compared to 532 in the last quarter of 2017. Officials warned that while it is only a 5 percent increase, criminals are using more dangerous methods, such as blocking tracks with rocks or vehicles to stop the trains. Fuel theft, which has been linked to higher rates of violent crime, also increased significantly

However, the number of kidnapping cases dropped in the first quarter by 16 percent. According to the Interior Minister, Alfonso Navarrete, the decrease is due to the creation of specialized units that specifically handle kidnapping cases. Areas with the highest kidnapping rates include Estado de México, Veracruz, Mexico City, and Puebla.

Context

Fierce turf wars between competing and increasingly fragmented cartels are on the rise in much of the country and violence in parts of Mexico is spiraling out of control as cartels adopt increasingly militarized tactics. Business owners and government figures are also targeted, and bystanders can be caught up in the crossfire. 2017 was the most violent year on record based on violent crime indicators.

Advice

Individuals present in Mexico are advised to remain vigilant, refrain from sharing personal information with unknown persons, do not post information regarding your location and activities on social media platforms, and vary daily routines to limit the risk of being targeted by potential kidnappers. Keep in mind that criminals are often armed; in the event of a mugging or kidnapping, remain calm, do not offer any resistance, and obey all demands issued by your assailant(s).

Due to extreme levels of violence linked to the presence of various armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, notably the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas, as well as the northeastern border with the US.