All over the state of Baja California, but especially in Mexicali and Tijuana, crime rates have risen, according to a report released by the Citizen’s Council of Public Safety.

On average, crime rates increased 7 percent in Baja California during the first nine months of the year compared to the same three quarters of 2020, Council President Juan Manuel Niebla said.

The businessman, who has been nominated to become the liaison with public safety organizations in the incoming state administration, said kidnapping climbed in Mexicali 50 percent, while Tijuana recorded an increase of 43 percent. The crime increased 27 percent statewide.

Niebla said extortion cases increased 34 percent statewide, but Mexicali observed a climb of 21 percent.

In homicides, the state’s capital city recorded an increase of 35 percent.

The report was based on records from the state Attorney General’s office. In contrast, state Commissioner of the Guard of Security and Investigations Carlos Flores said crime rates had declined 32 percent. However, the state official compared the last couple years with the first two years of past administrations.