27 Apr 2018 | 02:51 AM UTC
Mexico: Gang violence escalates in Mexico City
Inter-gang violence continues to rise in Mexico City, particularly in the Tepito, Balazos, and Tláhuac neighborhoods
Event
Criminal gangs continue to maintain a significant presence in Mexico City despite current security measures. According to official statistics, three people are killed every day by gang-related violence in Mexico City. Murders, kidnappings, extortion, and other acts of violence are regularly carried out by criminal groups throughout the city. According to a report released in mid-April, the neighborhoods of Tepito, Balazos, and Tláhuac are currently experiencing the most significant increase in organized crime-related violence.
Context
Reported crime rates rose considerably in Mexico City in 2017. Compared to 2016, incidents of violent robbery increased by 28.5 percent, intentional homicide by 14.3 percent, business robberies by 13.1 percent, and theft targeting pedestrians by 11.9 percent, according to the National Citizen Observatory (ONC). The most common motives for homicides in Mexico City are "revenge" (accounting for 43 percent of murders) and "quarrels" (accounting for 35 percent).
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 reportedly the most violent year, based on violent crime indicators, in the country's history.
Advice
Individuals present in Mexico City are advised to remain vigilant, to vary daily routines, and to refrain from sharing personal information with unknown persons to reduce the risk of being targeted by potential kidnappers. If attacked, remain calm, do not offer any resistance, and obey all demands issued by your assailant(s). Do everything in your power to keep the situation as calm as possible (accept offered food, engage in conversation initiated by your captors, avoid all political or potentially inflammatory topics, do not do anything that would alarm your captors, etc.).
