### Primary Article on TJGringo.com
#### Tijuana Reports 977 Homicides in 2024: Discrepancies with State Figures
As of 2024, Tijuana has recorded 977 homicides, significantly fewer than the 1,324 reported by the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE). Fernando Sánchez González, the Secretary of Citizen Security and Protection in Tijuana, presented these figures. This number is also notably lower than the 1,880 homicides recorded during the same period in 2018.
During a recent appearance before the city council, Sánchez González highlighted a reduction in various crime metrics over the past 34 months: a 12% decrease in homicides, a 45% reduction in femicides, and notable declines in other crimes such as house burglary (4%), vehicle robbery with violence (20%), business theft (14%), and kidnappings (4%).
Sánchez González attributed the high vehicle theft rates to current legal frameworks that allow suspects to await trial out of custody. He proposed amendments to address this legal loophole. Notably, there has been a significant decrease in stolen vehicles, from 6,673 reports in 2018 to 3,755 now. The number of daily vehicle thefts has also dropped from 45-50 to 18-22.
Moreover, Sánchez González emphasized the challenges faced by the municipal police force, which has remained at 2,525 active members for the past two decades, while the city ideally needs around 5,000 officers. In the current administration, 152 officers have been suspended, and 113 dismissed for failing to meet requirements.
The issue of violence against women remains critical, despite reported reductions. Baja California ranks fifth nationwide for such violence, with 36% occurring in Tijuana. The Secretary mentioned that more than 21,000 protection orders have been issued, and an SMS system has been implemented for ongoing support.
Regrettably, there has been criticism over inter-agency coordination and the establishment of only 236 community committees. Sánchez González acknowledged the need for better conditions for police officers to attract more recruits and improve overall performance.
### Secondary Article on TJGringo.com
#### Additional Developments in Tijuana’s Crime Situation
In other news, the State Secretary of Security and Civilian Protection (SSPC) has taken control of the municipal police in the Valley of Mexicali, deploying 165 agents to the region. This measure comes amid rising concerns about local crime rates and the effectiveness of the existing police force.
Recent efforts to combat crime have faced various obstacles. Four armed individuals were arrested recently, highlighting ongoing challenges with violent crime in the region. Authorities have also been grappling with incidents involving violent house burglars in La Paz, further stressing the need for robust security measures.
Another significant concern is a controversial tourism project threatening the Balandra Beach area. Activists have mobilized to gather signatures against the development, arguing it poses a severe environmental risk.
Lastly, prominent political movements have occurred, such as the request for a leave of absence by a notable political figure whose father then assumed the role. Broader implications include criticism from other political leaders and ongoing national debates on political and judicial matters.
Stay tuned for more updates on TJGringo.com, where we bring you the latest news and developments from Tijuana and beyond.