Homicides Decrease, Kidnappings Rise in Mexico in 2013

The number of homicides decreased, while kidnappings increased, in Mexico in 2013.

A report published by the Mexican Government said that through November 2013, there were 16,735 homicides; 1,583 kidnappings; 7,441 extortion convictions; 51,808 cases of violent car theft and 120,368 cases of non-violent car theft. This means that the homicide rate has fallen 22 percent in the first year of Enrique Peña Nieto's presidency, while kidnapping has increased slightly, said the Latin Times.

The report also revealed that 155 thousand 562 kilograms of drugs were seized over the last twelve months, mostly cocaine and marijuana. The data is a preliminary indication from the country's Attorney General. However, the report indicated an overall decline in the country's crime rates.

Crime in Mexico is still exorbitantly high, said the Latin Times, as the country continues to battle with powerful drug cartels across the nation, particularly in the northern states of Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua and Sonora, and more recently in the western states of Guerrero, Michoacan and Jalisco. Last month, a mass grave site was uncovered on the border between Jalisco and Michoacan with more than 60 bodies, said the Latin Times.