The nine municipalities that make up the Guadalajara metropolitan area (ZMG) registered a 16-percent increase in the number of homicides committed in 2017.
The figure is in line with national statistics showing 2017 to have been the worst year for murders in two decades.
A total of 1,338 homicides were recorded in ZMG last year – an average of 3.6 per day. The highest increase was in Tonala, where 131 murders were committed, up 90 percent from 69 in 2016. Tlaquepaque saw a 35-percent increase, Zapopan 32 percent and Guadalajara 24,2 percent.
Only Zapotlanejo registered a decrease in homicides: six murders were reported compared to 12 in 2016.
The State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) says it has identified key areas where homicides are high due to “criminal gangs disputing territory” and will be taking steps in the coming year to reduce the rising numbers.