Cargo Theft Threatens Mexican Festivities

Mexico’s persistent high rates of cargo theft are threatening the incoming holiday season. As the year-end festivities approach, there are notable shifts in the patterns of these criminal activities. Despite the government's efforts to counteract this problem, cases of theft keep increasing, potentially putting investments at risk.

Cargo theft with violence rose by 6.4% in January-October 2023 compared to the same period the previous year, according to a report by the Executive Ministry of the National Public Security System (SESNSP). During the January-October 2023 period, overall crime increased by 7.4% compared to the same period in 2022. 

In October, the states that reported the most incidences of cargo theft were the State of Mexico, Puebla, and Michoacan. Notably, while cases decreased by almost 5% in the State of Mexico and Michoacan, Puebla experienced a 47.38% increase in cargo theft.

In October 2023, national robberies decreased by 9.05% year over year, amounting to 70 fewer incidents, according to SESNSP. However, Blac reports a 127% increase in robberies during October 2023 compared to the previous year.

Blac's statistics also differ from SESNSP’s data on the matter of states with the highest number of robberies. The State of Mexico tops Blac's list with 30% of robberies, followed by Queretaro with 18%, Jalisco with 15%, Puebla with 9%, and Hidalgo with 6%.

Most robberies took place on Monday, with 29% of cases. Friday followed with 24% and Tuesday and Wednesday with 12% each. Robberies were also more common in early morning hours, representing 62% of incidents. The hours between 2:00 am and 3:00 am were particularly vulnerable, accounting for 26% of robberies.

Cargo theft trends also show shifts in target preferences, with a 49% increase in thefts of groceries, 14% of empty trucks, 12% of general merchandise, 9% of perishable goods, and 4% of refrigerated products. Items like cleaning products, construction materials, electronics, and pharmaceuticals comprise 3% of the targeted merchandise.

In response to the surge in year-end thefts, Laura González, Minister of Economic Development (SEDECO) of the State of Mexico, tells MBN that the State of Mexico has introduced Operation Escalon. 

This initiative involves monitoring and controlling the movement of transport units and goods during specific hours, with the Federal Police overseeing highways in industrial zones such as Arco Norte, Circuito Exterior Mexiquense, and Federal Highway 57. The operation will last until the end of the year, aligning with the increased economic activity seen during the holiday season.

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