SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — More and more business owners in Tijuana are reporting becoming victims of crime, especially extortion.
A survey conducted by Mexico’s Chamber of Business Owners (Coparmex) shows more than half of its members in the region were victims of crime last year.
Fifty-four percent of them said they’ve suffered losses due to stolen merchandise, lost shipments or extortion.
Coparmex says its survey shows a 4.3% increase in extortion attempts — being asked to pay organized crime a monthly fee to stay in business without reprisals.
“We’re implementing security measures,” said Juan José Sierra Álvarez, vice president for Coparmex. “It’s fundamentally necessary to work together and have dialogue with police, the public and government agencies to protect business enterprise.”
He said they are now seeking to support political candidates who are willing to protect business owners against extortion and other crimes.
“If there are places we cannot set up businesses due to safety concerns, it would be regrettable. Coparmex is urging the government to change strategy,” he said. “In Mexico, we don’t feel safe, not just businesses but citizens, 60 percent of residents don’t feel safe in the country.”
According to Mexican government figures, registered victims of extortion jumped nearly 60% from 6,895 in 2018 to 10,971 in 2023, a period during which homicides fell by 12%,
A recent study done by Mexico’s Senate shows there are 13,000 acts of extortion daily.
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