Clara Brugada, the head of government for Mexico City, has launched a comprehensive strategy to combat the growing problem of vehicle and auto parts theft across the capital. This plan aims to address both the theft of vehicles and the illegal sale of auto parts through a coordinated approach involving legal reforms, law enforcement operations, and the incorporation of advanced technology.
The measures outlined include the implementation of operations targeting businesses involved in the sale of auto parts, as well as integrating motorcycles—currently outside the legal registration fold—into the Public Vehicle Registry (REPUVE). These initiatives are intended to disrupt the black market economy surrounding stolen vehicles and their components.
Brugada announced during a press conference her intent to reform the local Penal Code, particularly Article 246, to facilitate the prosecution of vehicle theft crimes. The proposed changes will allow authorities to investigate such crimes proactively, rather than requiring them to wait for complaints to be filed.
To bolster public safety, the government plans to send proposals to the federal Congress to amend the Constitution as well as local laws, advocating for stringent measures against the illegal auto parts market. Specific provisions will mandate businesses to present formal invoices validating the legal origin of the auto parts they sell—a move aimed at ensuring compliance and transparency.
“We will conduct thorough verification operations, suspensions, and closures of businesses selling auto parts illegally,” Brugada stated firmly, asserting the government's zero-tolerance stance on criminal enterprises operating outside the law.
The strategy is built on six primary pillars: preventive actions, administrative oversight, technological advancements, investigative measures, inter-institutional coordination, and legislative reforms. The government will utilize technology such as enhanced surveillance cameras and detecting arches to identify stolen vehicles.
Details shared by Pablo Vázquez Camacho, the Secretary of Citizen Security, highlighted the importance of close scrutiny of social media platforms and digital marketplaces to prevent the illegal sale of stolen vehicles and parts. Additional checkpoints will be implemented to detect automobiles and motorcycles reported as stolen.
Significantly, the government's proposal aims to engage with motorcycle manufacturers to incorporate identification chips within their vehicles, ensuring these bikes can be effectively tracked and monitored. By providing these measures, authorities believe they can significantly reduce theft incidents.
Brugada emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “We need to register motorcycles under REPUVE. A gap currently exists where these vehicles cannot be scanned for their legality.” This move is expected to create more comprehensive tracking systems for these increasingly popular modes of transport.
Further reinforcing the commitment to safety, the government plans to establish specialized units to analyze crime data related to vehicle theft. This includes forming immediate response teams focused on recovering stolen vehicles swiftly and efficiently.
Notably, Bertha Alcalde Luján, Head of the Mexico City Attorney General's Office, discussed the creation of command centers dedicated exclusively to combating vehicle theft. These centers will be collaborative spaces where various security agencies, including the Federal Police, can work together to coordinate immediate responses to theft incidents.
“Our goal is to dismantle the operational frameworks of criminal groups,” Alcalde stated. The city’s aim incorporates not only immediate enforcement actions but also longer-term strategies to provide support for recovering stolen vehicles and prosecuting offenders.
To improve public engagement and cooperation, Brugada encouraged citizens to report incidents of theft, whether violent or non-violent, via emergency services. This will facilitate prompt actions to recover stolen property and curtail the overall prevalence of vehicle crime.
The creation of the Capital Vehicle Theft Cabinet will certainly help facilitate these efforts, with key stakeholders from high-level institutions convening weekly to set objectives, track goals, and coordinate with federal authorities for neighborhood safety.
To combat the demand side of vehicle theft, the government has also anticipated the need to engage automotive sales—particularly resales—by establishing safe purchase modules. After verification of the vehicles’ legal statuses, citizens will be guided through purchasing processes, ensuring they can make informed decisions when buying or selling vehicles.
Brugada’s administration feels optimistic about this structured approach, stating, “We are working to guarantee safety for everyone who walks through the streets of Mexico City.” A multi-faceted response involving public awareness, law enforcement, and legislative initiatives could mark significant progress in the fight against rising vehicle theft rates.