Violent Crime--Observations on the Ground?

[WriterinExile]

How do things look in GTO re: violent crime? There have been many reports lately about spikes in violent crimes in Mexico, including GTO. For example: http://sanmigueltimes.com/2017/03/guanaj...ationwide/ My friends in GTO and Leon say all seems tranquil. Any insights? Thanks.

[jesm]

While we have no personal experience with any form of violent crime we do feel that petty property crimes ( house break ins, car smash/grab,etc.) are on the increase. Almost everyone we know here has had something stolen,but that likely applies anywhere.

[Barbara]

I agree with the above about petty crime in the city of Guanajuato. The article linked above is about the State of Guanajuato, not the city, with Leon and Celaya being two of the most violent municipalities. The group CJNG is cited as having control of numerous territories, San Miguel de Allende and Leon are two of the places mentioned, but the city of Guanajuato is not on the list.

[WriterinExile]

Thank you. Good to know. Happy to hear anyone else's perspectives. Thanks.

[roberb7]

As that San Miguel Times article says, 961 homicides is "alarming".

To put this in perspective, Missouri has slightly more people than Guanajuato, and Maryland has slightly less. Missouri had 502 homicides in 2015 (I couldn't find figures for 2016) and Maryland had 516.

There aren't any Canadian provinces with a similar population. The entire country had 611 homicides in 2016, and has six times the population.

I'm not sure I agree with the article's assessment of León and Celaya. I couldn't find per-capita numbers, but they might show Penjamo and Irapuato as the worst places.

[WriterinExile]

Thanks. I agree. My sense, however, is that the violence is geographically concentrated. If one does not live where cartels are fighting for turf control, things are probably pretty peaceful. But I thought it good to ask around among people on the ground in GTO to get a sense of how all this seems to be playing out there. Thanks.

[roberb7]

This is serious: http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2017/08/te...cuted.html

[WriterinExile]

Yes, seems serious. The official statistics show a big increase in violent crimes in the state of GTO in the last 12 months. I'm still trying to figure out if I should be worried, as I'm scheduled to come to GTO city for a year in 2 weeks. Any helpful thoughts appreciated.

[Colibri]

I've lived in Gto. 20 years, and yes, have heard about a rise in petty thievery. Haven't experienced it myself. I don't think you have to worry if you do good research beforehand on where to live (some areas are safer than others just like anywhere), and exercise the diligence you would in any city: don't flash your cash or jewelry, be aware of your surroundings, don't leave valuables obviously visible in your car or your home, know safe parking places, be polite and soft-spoken, don't stagger drunkenly down dark alleys at night...you know! Basic stuff like that. Don't know your circumstances, but I've lived happily here. Hope you look forward to the adventure of living in my favorite town!

[DonJuane]

"I'd rather die while I'm living than to live while I'm dead"

Jimmy Buffett