By the Staff of California Hoy
LOS CABOS, Mexico — Business leaders in the resort destination of Los Cabos said Tuesday they have not experienced extortion in the form of so-called “protection payments,” a concern that has affected other parts of Mexico but, according to local entrepreneurs, has not taken hold in this region of Baja California Sur.
The statement came during a meeting held March 3 at the headquarters of the Los Cabos Coordinating Council, where members of the business community met with state Attorney General Antonio López Rodríguez to discuss public safety conditions and crime trends in the area.
During the gathering, business representatives affiliated with the council said none of their companies have been targeted by extortion schemes commonly known in Mexico as “cobro de piso,” a practice in which criminal groups demand regular payments from businesses in exchange for allowing them to operate.
Council president Julio Castillo Gómez, who invited López Rodríguez to address the group, said the dialogue between authorities and the private sector is essential to maintaining a safe environment for both residents and investors in the internationally known tourism destination.
Crime indicators show decline in Baja California Sur
López Rodríguez told attendees that crime indicators across Baja California Sur declined in 2025, placing the state eighth nationwide among Mexican states with the lowest overall crime rates.
Property-related crimes saw some of the most notable decreases, according to data presented during the meeting. Vehicle theft dropped by 23%, while cases of breach of trust fell by 16%. Residential burglaries declined by 12%, and robberies targeting businesses decreased by 2%.
Authorities also reported reductions in crimes involving personal and family safety. Incidents of sexual abuse declined by 15%, while rape cases dropped by 5% compared with the previous year.
Domestic violence cases showed a modest decrease of 2%, and failures to meet child-support obligations declined by 1%.
Progress reported in high-impact crimes
In cases considered high-impact offenses, López Rodríguez said Baja California Sur currently ranks fourth nationwide among states with the lowest number of femicides. He noted that most of those cases have already been resolved, with suspects under criminal prosecution and in custody.
The state also ranked seventh nationwide with one of the lowest homicide rates, according to the figures shared during the meeting.
The head of the state’s investigative agency added that during 2025 authorities executed 395 arrest and re-arrest warrants, recovered 191 stolen vehicles and more than 3,000 stolen items. In addition, 84 individuals were turned over to judicial authorities in connection with various criminal investigations.
Cooperation between business community and authorities
Business leaders attending the meeting acknowledged what they described as a noticeable reduction in criminal activity in the region and reiterated their willingness to continue working with state prosecutors to strengthen crime prevention efforts.
Officials emphasized that timely reporting and follow-up by the private sector play a crucial role in improving justice outcomes and reinforcing public trust in law enforcement institutions.
López Rodríguez closed the meeting by thanking the business community for its cooperation, saying their participation contributes to the stability and economic development of Los Cabos — one of Mexico’s most important tourism and investment hubs along the Pacific coast.
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