Break-ins up by 90 percent in Guadalajara

The number of home robberies in Guadalajara rose by 90 percent in January, compared to the number recorded in the same month last year.

According to the State Attorney General’s Office (PGJEJ), there were 268 burglaries in the municipalities of Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque and Tonala in January 2012. This figure rose to 509 in the first month of 2013.

The stolen items can range from televisions and DVD players to jewelry or luxury cars worth hundreds of thousands of pesos.

In many cases, thieves lurk in the streets without a specific target, waiting until they see someone leaving or entering their home. They will then threaten the victim, usually at gunpoint, forcing them to let them in.

To prevent burglary, the PGJEJ suggests recommends entering or leaving your house accompanied by a friend or relative, and never leaving your front or back door unlocked. The PGJEJ also advises you not to enter or leave the house if there are suspicious people hanging around, and if so, to report them to the local police.

Reinforcing doors and windows with bars will also deter intruders, while organizing with neighbors to keep watch for suspicious persons in the area can help prevent break-ins.