Cargo theft on Mexican highways increased by 16% during 2024, according to a report from the transport security company Skyangel. The rise in crime mainly affected food and beverages, which account for 39% of the recorded incidents. In December, the month with the highest movement of goods in the country, up to 40 robberies were reported daily, of which between six and eight occurred in the northern and central regions of the country.
The report, compiled with data from the Mexican Transport Alliance, identified areas with the highest incidence. These include the Red Triangle in Puebla, which encompasses highways in Tepeaca, Quecholac, Acatzingo, Palmar de Bravo, Tecamachalco, and Acajete, as well as the Arco Norte Highway, mainly in the Tula section, where surveillance has been insufficient. Additionally, states such as Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Jalisco also reported high levels of theft.
Among the most stolen products are food and beverages (39%), industrial and construction products (15%), electronics and white goods (10%), clothing and footwear (6%), and medicines (4%). 77% of the thefts occurred while the vehicles were in transit, with the most critical hours between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m., as well as between 2:00 and 9:00 p.m.
Skyangel highlighted the growing sophistication of the methods used by criminals, which include fake checkpoints and coordinated activities, involving former national guards and corrupt police officers. The company warned of an alarming increase in kidnappings and murders of operators. Criminals even place large stones on the road to prevent vehicles from passing, and the presence of cartels such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been noted, with access to information about schedules, routes, and rest stops of the operators.
Regarding the states with the highest increases in thefts, the State of Mexico (29%), Puebla (19%), Guanajuato (8%), San Luis Potosí (8%), and Michoacán (7%) are among them.
