Commercial crime rates show shifts in Chile and Argentina

Recent data from Chile and Argentina indicate varying trends in commercial crime and public security. In Chile, a survey by the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CNC) reported that commercial victimization fell from 61.2% to 56.6% during the first half of 2026. While significant decreases were noted in Iquique, Temuco, and Santiago, the Valparaíso-Viña del Mar region saw an increase, reaching a victimization rate of 66.6%. The most common offenses nationally include shoplifting (22.6%), property damage (20.3%), and theft (19.2%). Additionally, merchants reported an improved perception of safety in their neighborhoods.

In Bariloche, Argentina, the Ministry of Security and Justice reported a 27% decrease in crimes between January and September compared to the previous year. This data challenges a local declaration of a security emergency in commercial zones. Specifically, reported robberies dropped by 34.34% and thefts decreased by 17.67%. In the city's civic center, property crimes fell by 28.8%, with robberies seeing a nearly 40% reduction.