Peru's President Dina Boluarte was impeached and removed from office by Congress due to widespread outrage over rising crime and political scandals, with lawmakers citing 'permanent moral incapacity' as the reason for her removal.
New Mexico has declared a state of emergency in Rio Arriba County, including Española, due to a surge in violent crime and drug trafficking, with increased police activity and $750,000 in emergency funds allocated to support local safety efforts.
A San Francisco store, Fredericksen’s Hardware and Paint, is requiring customers to shop with an employee escort due to rampant shoplifting, with a sign announcing the new rule during certain hours. The store's manager, Sam Black, stated that the move is an inconvenience but necessary for the business and employees' safety, as shoplifting has reached unprecedented levels. The store has resorted to locking up products and implementing the one-on-one shopping rule to deter thieves, with the security experiment ongoing for three weeks. San Francisco supervisor Catherine Stefani called the situation "embarrassing" for the city and emphasized the need for more police presence to address the crime surge.
The New York City Police Department's dance team is facing criticism as crime surges in the city, with some questioning the officers' focus on dancing rather than combatting crime. The team, founded in 2022, has drawn public attention and backlash amid concerns about rising crime and strained resources due to the ongoing migrant crisis. Critics argue that the officers should prioritize law enforcement over extracurricular activities, especially in light of recent violent incidents involving migrants and the release of suspects without bail.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is sending reinforcements to Oakland to address the surge in violent and property crime, deploying prosecutors and California Highway Patrol officers. The move reflects growing public frustration and political backlash, with mayors endorsing a ballot measure to roll back penalties for property and drug crimes. The state collaboration comes as local officials face recall efforts, highlighting the collision between criminal justice reform and rising crime concerns. Democratic leaders are also focusing on addressing property crime as a quality-of-life issue for constituents.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is deploying 120 California Highway Patrol officers to Oakland and the surrounding area to address a surge in crime, including vehicle theft, retail theft, and violent crime. The move comes as crime rates in Oakland have increased disproportionately compared to other urban centers in California, prompting businesses like In-N-Out and Denny's to close their Oakland locations. Newsom described the situation as "alarming and unacceptable" and emphasized the need to restore a sense of safety for the city's residents.
Rising crime rates in Oakland, including a 38% increase in robberies and a 44% jump in motor vehicle theft, have prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to deploy 120 California Highway Patrol officers to the area. Business owners and residents have expressed concerns about public safety, with some national companies closing their Oakland locations due to crime targeting employees and customers. The rise in crime has led to a decrease in foot traffic, exacerbating the issue. While some attribute the increase in crime to pandemic-related factors, others point to cuts in police services and violence prevention programs. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has implemented a comprehensive community safety plan, but community members emphasize the need for a collaborative effort to address the city's public safety challenges.
Carjackings in Washington, D.C., continue at a record-setting pace in 2024, with 56 reported so far this year, including the deadly attack on former Trump official Mike Gill. The surge follows a doubling of carjackings in 2023, with high-profile victims including U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and a diplomat from the United Arab Emirates. Mayor Muriel Bowser has attributed the rise to a social media challenge and offered free steering wheel locks to prevent crimes. The majority of carjacking arrests involve juveniles, and the city also saw a surge in homicides in 2023.
Denny's, a 54-year-old branch in Oakland, has closed due to soaring crime rates, including a 37% increase in robbery, 24% in burglary, and 45% in motor vehicle theft. The closure follows that of other businesses like Subway, Starbucks, and In-N-Out Burger, all of which have become targets for car burglaries. The city's mayor is facing a recall campaign, and businesses and residents are expressing concern over the safety and wellbeing of the community amidst the crime surge.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente in Oakland have implemented safety measures for employees due to a surge in crime, including staying inside for lunch and arranging rides to work. The move comes after a 21% increase in violent crime in Oakland last year, prompting concerns among residents and business owners. The city has seen a rise in robberies, burglaries, and car thefts, leading to businesses like In-N-Out Burger closing due to safety concerns. Oakland's mayor denies that her policies are the sole cause of rising crime rates, while police officers express frustration with restrictive rules that limit their ability to curb crime.
Mexican authorities are increasing law enforcement presence in the popular tourist destination of Tulum, adding 30 members of the Mexican Navy to bring the total to over 250 personnel. This move comes in response to a surge in crime, including incidents such as a tourist being shot and killed during a robbery. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for beach resorts in the area, warning travelers to exercise caution, especially after dark, due to drug gang violence.
Mexican authorities are increasing military presence in Tulum, a popular tourist destination, in response to a surge in crime. The move comes after incidents including the shooting of a tourist and previous violence in beach resorts like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for the area, warning travelers to exercise caution, especially after dark.
Costa Rica, traditionally known for its laidback environmental tourism, is now facing a surge in violence prompting President Rodrigo Chaves to introduce tough new legislation to combat crime, inspired by El Salvador's draconian measures. The spike in homicides has been attributed to gang warfare among cocaine traffickers, exacerbated by social discontent and unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. While Chaves' proposals face opposition in Congress, including concerns about violating individual rights, the country is grappling with the need for a shift in its traditionally gentler approach to crime prevention in the face of rising crime rates.
Costa Rica, traditionally known for its laidback environmental tourism, is now facing a surge in violence prompting President Rodrigo Chaves to introduce tough new legislation to combat crime, drawing inspiration from El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele. The proposed measures include increasing jail sentences for minors, allowing extraditions, and extending the use of preventive detention. While some oppose the shift towards a more hardline approach, others see it as necessary to address the spike in homicides driven by gang warfare among cocaine traffickers and exacerbated by social discontent and unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oakland, California, is experiencing a surge in crime, with burglaries up by 41% and robberies by over 20%. Residents are feeling unsafe and are resorting to measures like using air horns and security cameras. Community activists, including the local NAACP, are demanding urgent action from city officials to address the rise in violent crime, particularly in predominantly Black neighborhoods. The city's police department is focusing on sustainable prevention solutions, but the police union believes more officers are needed. Some residents are considering leaving the state due to safety concerns, while others remain hopeful for change.