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Census Study Shows Local Lifestyle Changes

By: David Real | Real Acapulco News - 15 July, 2011

(Acapulco, NA 14 July) The head of the Guerrero office of the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (INEGI), Mexico’s Bureau of the Census, released the results of a study yesterday concerning local responses to the wave of violence that has slammed Acapulco for nearly a year.

The survey found that 1 out of every 2 persons in Acapulco has stopped going out at night because of the insecure situation in the streets. The study also showed that women are leaving their jewelry at home when they do go out.

Another finding is that 4 out of 5 crimes committed in the State of Guerrero go unreported. In 2010, it is estimated that 124,000 crimes were committed, and that 100,000 of them were never reported to police. Acapulco, which has 64% of the state’s population, accounted for 97% of the crimes committed in Guerrero in 2010.

Of the crimes reported to the police, one-third are never investigated. Many citizens believe that the police will do nothing anyway, or that they will demand money from the victims, or take bribes from the perpetrators, if found. A prevalent fear is the presence of firemen and policemen in the home, as they have the reputation among many residents of taking whatever they like. Of the citizens who registered criminal complaints, only 1.5% rated the treatment they received as “excellent” and 38% as “fair.” The rest were unsatisfied with the attention they received.

Concerning the causes of crime, about half agreed that the main reasons are poverty, drug use and unemployment. In a question aimed at the federal anti-crime program involving federal agents and the military, 76.1% said they agreed with the presence of the “federales” and the military to assist local law enforcement.

One percent of the households in the survey refused to answer any questions as a result of threats from local crime gangs.

Basic Data from the Census:

  • Guerrero population: 3,388,768 (3% of national population).
  • Guerrero’s rural population: 42%, in 7,154 rural locations.
  • Acapulco population: 789,971 (Chilpancingo: 241,717; Iguala 140,363).
  • Average Age: 23 (26 for Acapulco).
  • Genders: 94 men for every 100 women.
  • 16.8% of the nation’s poorest counties are in Guerrero, including the number 1 poorest county, Cochoapa el Grande.
  • 8.7% of Guerrero’s population live in conditions of extreme poverty and marginalization.