Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Cell phone theft surges in Mexico City; 60 are stolen every day

Cell phone theft is on the rise in Mexico City: the Attorney General’s Office (PGJ) investigated 21,722 cases in 2018, an average of 60 cell phones stolen every day.

There were significantly fewer incidents the previous year: a total of 14,141 cases for an average of 39 phones stolen daily in 2017. In 2016, 7,314 cell phones were reported stolen, an average of 20 a day.

Since 2016, the frequency of cell phone theft has shot up by 197%.

Thefts conducted using violence far outweighed those in which force was not used last year, and the use of violence has become far more prevalent than it was in 2016.

Last year, cell phone theft with violence was the fourth most common crime in Mexico City behind general larceny in which 14,487 cases were investigated, non-violent robbery of businesses — 15,138 cases and domestic violence — 19,974 cases.

However, authorities have also cracked down on some cell phone thieves.

Yesterday, the Mexico City Metro announced the arrest of “El Chocorrol,” the suspected leader of a band of thieves who operated in Tacuba Station on Line 2. He was identified by police on security cameras.

Authorities said the group selected their victims during rush hour. One gang member would push and shove the unwitting commuter, while another took advantage of the distraction to relieve him of his cell phone or wallet.

Officials continue to search for another four gang members. In the meantime, they urged citizens who believed they might have been robbed by El Chocorrol to report the crime to police as evidence.

Source: El Financiero (sp), Excelsior (sp)

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Sheinbaum signing the PACIC May 2025

Sheinbaum renews pact to freeze prices on essential grocery items

0
Under the agreement, Mexico’s major food and grocery companies will cap a "basket" of the 24 most common grocery items at 910 pesos (US $46.8) for the next six months. 
The 17 family members of El Chapo were carrying more than $70,000 in cash and several suitcases.

Ex-wife and 16 family members of drug lord ‘El Chapo’ surrender to FBI

0
According to crime journalist Luis Chaparro, the family members' decision to turn themselves in was likely linked to the plea agreement El Chapo's son is negotiating with U.S. authorities.
A museum room filled with sculptures and artifacts on display, all made by ancient Mexican indigenous cultures.

Where to find the best of Mexico’s artifacts in world museums

1
Centuries of conquest and exploitation mean that many of Mexico's most impressive treasures are outside it's borders. Here's where to find them.