Kidnapping in Mexico. Levels, tendencies and spatial distribution from 1997 to 2010.

A statistical overview of kidnapping in Mexico from 1997 to 2010 is presented. Based on records of preliminary reports, subjections to process and number of convictions by state and year, it was possible to estimate rates of occurrence of events, the number of subjects to process for each preliminary investigation and number of convictions for each preliminary investigation record at the national level. The levels, tendencies and spatial distribution of these indicators allow for the visualization of crime incidence and help approximate the effectiveness of law enforcement. Results show a decrease in the phenomenon up until the middle of the observation process and an increase during 2005-2010. The spatial perspective reveals the prominence of the southern states at the beginning of the study period and of the northern ones towards the end. Nevertheless, the study also points some important inconsistencies and irregularities of the statistical information available.