There is a common misconception that the world is a safe place and you can travel to any destination you choose. However, there are some cities that you might want to avoid because they are more dangerous to visit.
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These cities are infested with gangs and have recorded high homicide rates per capita. So which city has the most gangs in the world?
Crime has different connotations for everyone. But, various forms of violent criminal activities, such as homicides and gun violence, make a city dangerous for both residents and foreign tourists visiting the place.
Which city has the most gangs in the world? The top 10 list
Such criminal acts are considered potential threats to peace, and many people have been forced to move out of dangerous cities to pursue safety.
- Tijuana, Mexico
Population: 2.2 million
Murder rate: 139 homicides per 100,000 residents
The top on the list of cities with the most gangs is Tijuana. With 139 homicides per 100,000 residents, there are almost six people killed every day in this city. The main reasons behind this violence are human trafficking and the drug trade by different gangs.
In addition, the violence is fueled by the rivalry between the Sinaloa and Tijuana cartels. Baja California, which sits directly south of the border with California, has recorded the highest rates of violence and homicide.
- Acapulco, Mexico
Population: 992,000
Murder rate: 111 homicides per 100,000 residents
Acapulco hosts some of the biggest gangs in the world. The dominant drug cartel in Acapulco broke up a decade ago. However, the city is still a stronghold for notorious neighborhood gangs such as 221 or Los Locos. They are intermixed with representatives from larger drug cartels who contract them for jobs.
These gangs are notorious for kidnappings, assassins, theft, and rape. Most gang members are young men who often become specialists and prey on a largely defenseless population.
- Caracas, Venezuela
Population: 2.9 million
Murder rate: 100 homicides per 100,000 residents
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. There is a high threat of violent crime and kidnapping throughout the city. Armed robbery, mugging, carjacking, and burglary are all common and are often accompanied by extreme levels of violence. In addition, scenes of protests by rioters fighting with local police are ubiquitous on the streets of Caracas.
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- Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
Population: 368,000
Murder rate: 86 homicides per 100,000 residents
This is one of the most gang-related cities. The high homicide rates in the city can be attributed to the shootouts happening between different criminal groups and drug cartels with the local police. The homicides happening all around the town are brutal, with the victims being burned to death, chopped to pieces, hanged, and shot with multiple gun wounds.
- Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Population: 1.5 million
Murder rate: 86 homicides per 100,000 residents
Ciudad Juarez has consistently featured on the list of cities with the most gang violence. The city was once known for its tourism industry which has almost vanished because of the high crime rates. The constant violence in the city averages four homicides a day. Most homicide cases are directly related to drug trafficking and narco cartels. These brutal killings have prompted outrage and protests on the streets.
- Irapuato, Mexico
Population: 593,000
Murder rate: 81 homicides per 100,000 residents
This is one of the cities with the highest gang activity. The city has recorded high rates of homicide in the past years, making it one of the most violent cities in Mexico. Dangerous groups and cartels such as Santa Rosa De Lima have taken the city under their control. Theft, extortion, and kidnapping are prevalent as gangs freely roam the streets.
- Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela
Population: 940,000
Murder rate: 78 homicides per 100,000 residents
Ciudad Guayana is one of the deadliest cities in Venezuela, renowned for high crime rates, including rape, murder, physical assault, and carjacking. Most of the crimes can be attributed to organized gangs and economic hardships. With people starved of food and daily essentials, looting is commonplace on the streets of Ciudad Guayana.
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- Natal, Brazil
Population: 890,000
Murder rate: 75 homicides per 100,000 residents
Natal is one of the deadliest cities in Brazil. Nevertheless, the city is still a popular destination for many tourists despite the high homicide rates. Crimes such as physical and sexual assault, robbery, and car theft are prevalent. Poverty and violence between gangs and prisoners are the main reasons behind the high crime rate.
- Fortaleza, Brazil
Population: 4.1 million
Murder rate: 69 homicides per 100,000 residents
Fortaleza is a dream destination, thanks to its pristine white beaches. Unfortunately, violent crimes overshadow its beauty because it is one of the most dangerous cities in Brazil. Crimes such as assault, rape, car theft, mugging, and robberies are widespread. Most of the young lads of this city are unemployed, which is one reason why crime rates are very high.
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- Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
Population: 407,000
Murder rate: 69 homicides per 100,000 residents
This is one of the biggest slums in Venezuela. Gangs, drugs, and violence run rampant in Ciudad Bolivar. The high rates of homicides and violence can be attributed to active gangs, poor judiciary, and poor law and order.
