The excitement around the World Cup brought more than just football fever to Puebla City—it also coincided with a notable 4% drop in crime during June. According to data from the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the number of criminal investigations opened in the capital fell from 3,072 in May to 2,956 in June, marking one of the lowest crime months in recent times.

This decline was especially visible in serious offenses such as intentional homicides, which decreased from 15 to 13 cases, and feminicides, which dropped to zero after one case was reported in May. Other crimes with fewer reports included vehicle theft (down from 312 to 240), family violence (from 321 to 293), and extortion (from five to two cases). Even reports of abuse by public servants and disappearances saw a reduction.

While the overall trend is positive, some crimes did see an uptick. Reports of sexual harassment rose from 10 to 14, and violations like home burglaries increased from 62 to 74. Theft-related offenses such as robbery of car parts, pedestrian robberies, and theft on public transport also went up slightly.

Puebla City’s June crime figures place it among the top three months with the lowest incidence in recent years, alongside February and January, which had 2,654 and 2,862 investigations respectively. This contrasts with March, which remains the most violent month so far.

The World Cup’s role in this temporary dip in crime highlights how large-scale social events can influence public safety, possibly by increasing community engagement and police presence. For a city like Puebla, which is also preparing to enhance its public transport options with projects like the upcoming cablebús system, these shifts in crime patterns offer valuable insights into urban safety and mobility.

As Puebla continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be key to fostering safer, more inclusive communities where everyone—locals and migrants alike—can thrive.