Crime rises in Chile's Ñuble region and Argentina's La Plata area

In Chile's Ñuble region, the number of criminal complaints increased by 3.7% in the first half of the year, matching the national average after three consecutive periods of decline. The surge was most pronounced in the city of Chillán, which recorded 5,509 complaints, a 6.3% rise, while smaller communes such as El Carmen, Coelemu and San Fabián saw increases of 51.1%, 19.1% and 18.2% respectively. Officials note that factors such as population growth, housing expansion into rural zones, limited policing capacity and the emergence of new criminal activities may be contributing, and that unreported offenses likely remain significant.

Meanwhile, the Gran La Plata region of Argentina continues to grapple with a persistent wave of motorcycle‑based robberies, known locally as "motochorros." Victims report that two attackers on a motorbike typically approach, one exiting to seize valuables such as wallets, phones and documents, often threatening with a firearm or knife. Recent incidents include the robbery of a young woman in Los Hornos. Residents describe a routine of heightened vigilance, avoiding solitary walks and keeping personal items hidden, and call for stronger police action to curb the trend.