The municipality of Santa Cruz has noted a 17.7% rise in criminal activity during the first half of the year, amounting to 5,405 incidents in comparison to 4,593 logged in 2023, according to data released by the Ministry of the Interior.
In terms of statistics, traditional crime (theft, drug trafficking, or sexual offences) has seen the most significant increase relative to last year, with 4,566 offences compared to 3,816 in 2023, marking a rise of 9.7%. Meanwhile, cybercrime (online scams) has escalated by 8%, with 839 incidents reported so far this year.
Robberies involving violence have surged, with 90 incidents recorded compared to 69 in 2023; thefts have escalated from 1,280 to 1,473. Likewise, offences against sexual freedom rose to 60 in 2024 from 46 the previous year, along with vehicle thefts reaching 77 cases.
Conversely, drug trafficking fines in the capital have diminished, dropping to 19 from 30 last year; similarly, home burglaries have increased from 80 to 135 in the current year.
The CSIF union attributes the rise in crime to a shortage of police personnel. “We are adrift concerning security, and moreover, for over two years, the local police in the capital have not received new uniforms.”
