Auto Parts Thefts Exceed 11,000 in Mexico City, Causing Significant Economic Losses
Mexico City, March 1, 2026 – The theft of auto parts continues to be a pervasive and economically damaging crime in Mexico City, with official figures revealing a staggering number of incidents. Between January 2024 and August 2025, more than 11,000 reports of auto parts theft were filed, highlighting a persistent challenge for authorities and residents alike. The economic impact on victims is substantial, with losses per vehicle often surpassing 60,000 pesos.
Rising Tide of Denunciations
Data from the C5 Ciudad de México, local prosecutor’s offices, and the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions indicate that from January 2024 to April 2025 alone, over 11,700 reports of vehicle stripping were registered. The problem shows no signs of abating, with 6,169 auto parts thefts reported in the capital between January and August 2025. Over the past five years, more than 53,700 investigation files have been opened, averaging approximately 26 cases daily.
Mexico City accounts for roughly half of all auto parts thefts nationwide, underscoring the severity of the issue within the metropolis. In early 2026, authorities reported the arrest of at least 31 individuals linked to this crime, signaling ongoing efforts to combat the epidemic.
Victims Recount Rapid, Brazen Thefts
Victims consistently describe the speed and audacity with which these thefts occur, often in broad daylight. Mariana “N,” a resident of the Roma neighborhood, shared her experience after leaving her vehicle parked for a medical appointment. “I wasn’t gone for even 20 minutes. When I returned, my mirrors and headlights were gone. Nobody saw anything. The repair cost me almost 28,000 pesos,” she recounted.
In the Narvarte neighborhood, Luis “N” reported his car was stripped overnight. “They stole all four tires and the computer. The car was left on bricks. Between parts and labor, it was over 60,000 pesos,” he lamented. Claudia “N” from Agrícola Oriental, where residents report thefts completed in under 20 seconds, stated that criminals often operate in groups. “They pass by on motorcycles, one gets off, another watches, and in seconds the part is gone. By the time you come out, they’ve already left.”
High-Incidence Zones and Modus Operandi
The Cuauhtémoc borough is among the most affected areas, particularly in neighborhoods such as Condesa, Roma, Doctores, Tlatelolco, and Peralvillo. Other affected areas include Narvarte, Polanco, Vista Alegre, and Ampliación Asturias. Thefts are most frequent on streets with high concentrations of parked vehicles and limited surveillance.
The most commonly stolen auto parts include:
- Rearview mirrors: 33.1%
- Headlights: 22.7%
- Car computers: Valued at over 22,000 pesos
- Batteries: 9%
- Tires and rims: 5.2%
Authorities have observed that perpetrators often use bicycles or motorcycles and carry black bags to conceal the stolen items. Recent operations have led to the seizure of up to 150 tons of allegedly stolen auto parts from warehouses and hotels.
While operations and arrests continue, residents across various neighborhoods are united in their demand for increased surveillance and stricter penalties to curb a crime they assert has become commonplace in the capital. The high demand for spare parts for popular models like the Nissan Versa, Nissan NP300, and Chevrolet Aveo, due to their high circulation, makes them frequent targets for thieves, according to the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions.
Source: https://oem.com.mx/la-prensa/metropoli/robo-de-autopartes-en-cdmx-supera-11-mil-denuncias-en-2024-2025-28702990
