Mexico: Number of murders tops 17,000 in first half of 2019

Event

Officials statistics released in late July show a record number of 17,138 murders across Mexico for the first half of 2019. This represents an increase of 7.2 percent increase from 2018 and an average of 94 homicides per day. The states of Baja California, Guanajuato, Chihuahua, Mexico, and Jalisco experienced the most murders. Overall crime, including kidnapping, extortion, and robbery, decreased slightly by 5.3 percent. 

Advice

Individuals present in Mexico are advised to remain vigilant for criminal activity and report all suspicious objects and behavior to the authorities. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye.