Crime Prevention Priority

A plea for increased investment in crime prevention in Tijuana by Edgardo Flores Campbell highlights the urgency to address rising youth delinquency and the need for community-based solutions.

### Increased Investment in Crime Prevention Deemed Crucial

#### By Juan Miguel Hernández

Tijuana — Edgardo Flores Campbell, the President of the Citizen Security Committee of Tijuana, emphasized the urgent necessity for increased investment in crime prevention for the upcoming budget year. His call to action arises from worrying trends in youth involvement in high-impact crimes, attributed to the lack of emphasis on crime prevention by local governments.

Flores Campbell stressed the neglect of critical issues such as the reinforcement of the social fabric in vulnerable sectors and the promotion of legal awareness, denunciation culture, neighborhood coordination, and the strengthening of neighborhood councils and committees in the city.

Youth delinquency is on the rise, particularly in high-impact crimes. Flores Campbell attributes this to the insufficient focus on crime prevention by the authorities. He underscored the societal obligation to instill values that promote legal culture, respect for authority, and healthy coexistence among peers. Notably, criminal organizations often exploit minors, aware of the more lenient application of penal codes due to their age.

For the forthcoming budget allocations, a significant increase in resources dedicated to crime prevention has been identified as a top priority. The focus is on cultivating a culture of legality and strengthening community bonds to curtail the growing criminal trends among the youth.

### Secondary Article: Rising Concerns Over Youth Involvement in Crime

Recent reports indicate a troubling surge in youth participation in crimes of high impact, a development alarming the public and officials in Tijuana. The local Department of Municipal Public Safety has raised red flags over this increasing trend.

The primary concerns revolve around the socioeconomic factors that make youth susceptible to criminal activities. The lack of educational and employment opportunities, coupled with deteriorating family structures, significantly contribute to the trend.

Experts suggest a multi-faceted approach to remedy the situation. This involves improved educational programs, community engagement initiatives, and robust support systems for at-risk families. Law enforcement agencies continue to stress the importance of prevention over punitive measures, advocating for policies that address the root causes of youth delinquency.

Meanwhile, there is growing advocacy for reforms in the juvenile justice system to ensure minors are rehabilitated rather than merely punished. As Tijuana grapples with these challenges, the call for increased resources and comprehensive strategies to tackle youth involvement in crime remains paramount.