**Auto Theft Rises in First Month of New Municipal Government**
In the first month of Tijuana’s new municipal government, there has been a noticeable increase in vehicle thefts compared to the previous six months. According to the Citizen Security Secretariat, October saw 533 vehicles stolen, with 76 of these thefts carried out violently.
During September, the final month under Montserrat Caballero’s administration, 495 vehicle thefts were recorded. This number showed a rise when compared to August and July, which saw 478 and 518 thefts, respectively. June recorded 476 incidents, and May saw 490 reported thefts.
Juan Manuel Sánchez Rosales, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, emphasized that auto theft remains the most impactful crime in Tijuana. He mentioned that a comprehensive strategy is underway, coordinated through ongoing peace meetings and permanent operations, to address this issue. While the crime has not been completely eradicated, there have been signs of a downward trend thanks to a new strategy implemented over the last two months.
Sánchez Rosales detailed that there are three primary categories of auto theft: foreign vehicles stolen in Tijuana but reported in the United States, cross-border vehicles that aren’t recovered due to the high cost of towing, and national vehicles, primarily mid-to-high end models used by both individuals and businesses. The latter are stolen by different criminal rings, prompting joint operations between the Prosecutor’s Office, National Defense Secretariat (Sedena), and Municipal Police.
Despite the complexities, the Secretary conveyed optimism, noting that the strategic initiatives are gradually making an impact, although changes won’t happen overnight.
**Related News: Increase in Vehicle Thefts Across Other Regions**
Tijuana’s increase in vehicle thefts mirrors concerns seen in other areas. Other major cities have reported similar upticks, reflecting larger issues with vehicle security and organized crime. Authorities in these areas are also focusing on strategic operations involving local police and national defense forces to combat these crimes.
In particular, cities with significant cross-border traffic are experiencing unique challenges with auto theft, often involving vehicles being illegal sold or stripped for parts across borders. Efforts are being made to enhance cross-jurisdictional cooperation to better tackle these crimes and improve vehicle recovery rates. With continued focus and collaboration, authorities are hopeful that these strategies will eventually result in significant reductions in motor vehicle theft.