Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - Despite being considered one of the safest destinations in the country, Puerto Vallarta has seen a surge in crime in the first few months of this year. The Public Security System's official records reveal that crimes with the most significant impact have increased from 232 incidents in the first two months of last year to 352 cases in the same period this year.
According to Jalisco Crime Stoplight, eight crimes have seen a significant rise, with some experiencing an alarming growth of 233% and 350%. The crimes with the most significant increase are rape and extortion, followed by business robbery and homicide.
A comparative analysis of the crimes that impact the population the most reveals that the security situation in the municipality has worsened in the last year. This is despite the government's promises to contain crime and combat delinquency.
The Criminal Stoplight is a platform that collects statistics on common law crimes from the complaints reported in the agencies of the Public Ministry of Jalisco. According to data collected in this system, two cases of rape were registered in the first two months of 2022, while in the same period of 2023, the number increased to nine cases, representing an increase of 350%, making it the crime that has seen the most significant increase so far this year.
Extortion is the second crime with the most significant increase, going from three cases in the first two months of 2022 to ten in the same period of 2023, representing a growth of 233%. Business robbery follows with a growth of 140%, from 15 cases in the first months of last year to 36 cases registered in the first months of this year.
The crime of homicide grew 100% in the first two months of 2023, with two cases reported, compared to one case registered in the same period of 2022. Family violence is another uncontrolled crime in Puerto Vallarta, with an increase of 60%, with 68 cases in the first two months of 2022, contrasting with 109 reports in the first two months of 2023.
Vehicle theft has registered a growth of 42%, from 65 thefts in the first two months of last year to 92 complaints this year. Meanwhile, the crime of injuries increased by 26%, with 53 cases in the first two months of 2022 compared to 67 in the same period of 2023.
Home robbery also saw an increase, with 20 cases in the first two months of 2022, while 25 cases were registered this year, representing a 25% increase. However, crimes such as femicide, drug dealing, and kidnapping have been contained, with only one case of femicide registered this year, and a 75% decrease in drug dealing, while kidnapping did not register any cases in Puerto Vallarta.
Despite being a prominent tourist destination, the increase in crimes that impact the population shows that the authorities have failed to protect citizens and guarantee the safety of the city. With the surge in crime, the municipal administration must take significant steps to address the issue and ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors.
