Quintana Roo crime surge: 1,000+ offenses in one month

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The state of Quintana Roo recorded a sharp increase in high-impact crimes during May, with 1,346 offenses reported, including homicides, robberies, intentional injuries, and extortion cases, according to the latest update from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System. The figure marks a rise from the previous month, when 1,304 such crimes were documented.

Homicides and Violent Assaults on the Rise

The most concerning spikes were seen in homicides and intentional injuries, with 112 and 302 cases, respectively. In April, the state had registered 104 homicides, 958 robberies, 223 intentional injuries, and 19 extortion cases, indicating a troubling escalation in crimes involving direct violence against individuals. Assaults, for instance, surged from 223 to 302 in just one month.

Of the 112 homicides reported in May, 23 were classified as intentional. Among these, 16 involved firearms, one was committed with a bladed weapon, and six were not specified in official reports. Additionally, 89 cases were categorized as negligent homicides, including five involving firearms, four with bladed weapons, 29 linked to traffic accidents, and 51 with unspecified causes.

Robberies and Vehicle Thefts Remain Prevalent

Robberies remained a significant issue, with 912 incidents reported in May. Vehicle thefts accounted for 232 cases, including 58 car thefts—five committed with violence and 53 without. Motorcycle thefts totaled 174, with nine involving violence and 165 without.

Home burglaries were reported 95 times, with seven cases involving violence and 88 without. While this figure did not show a dramatic increase compared to previous months, it remains one of the most frequent crime types.

Street robberies, primarily targeting pedestrians, were recorded 71 times—31 with violence and 40 without. Business robberies also remained high, with 141 cases statewide (52 violent and 89 non-violent), particularly in urban and commercial areas.

Injuries and Weapon Use Raise Concerns

Intentional injuries followed a worrying pattern, with 302 cases reported. Three involved firearms, 25 were committed with bladed weapons, 71 were classified as "other," and 203 were unspecified. The rise in violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms, has heightened public concern.

Related Incidents Highlight Ongoing Challenges

Recent incidents in Quintana Roo include the discovery of a deceased combi operator in Cancún’s Tres Reyes neighborhood and the rescue of 12 women from a Cancún bar where they were allegedly victims of human trafficking and prostitution.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as residents express alarm over the escalating violence.