Medellin has achieved a significant milestone in public safety, recording a 20% reduction in its homicide rate for 2024, the lowest in the past 40 years. April and May saw the fewest murders reported in four decades, with declines of up to 38%. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez highlighted this achievement, noting the city’s projected homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants is the lowest in 40 years, reflecting societal progress and the increasing value placed on life.
Additionally, other high-impact crimes have also decreased: personal theft by 22%, armed robbery by 33%, motorcycle theft by 11%, residential burglary by 16%, and commercial establishment theft by 53%. These improvements are attributed to enhanced law enforcement efforts, including a 12% increase in arrests, a 79% rise in firearm seizures, a 16% increase in arrests for sexual offenses, and a 27% increase in homicide arrests. Moreover, 311 special interventions were conducted across various communities, involving multiple municipal departments and law enforcement agencies.
Additional measures included 98 control posts, 16 interventions under the motels, hotels, and hostels plan, and 8 controls on illegal street racing, collectively contributing to the city’s enhanced safety and security.