Insecurity Impacts Chilean Trade
- SANTIAGO, Chile (April 9, 2025) — A recent survey indicates that criminal activity targeting businesses in Chile has increased, with nearly 60% of businesses reporting incidents, a figure...
- 21, encompassing 1,202 businesses across Iquique, Antofagasta, Valparaíso, Gran Santiago, concepción, Talcahuano, Temuco, and puerto Montt, revealed a concentration of increased illegal activity in Valparaíso, viña del Mar,...
- Despite the escalating crime rates,the survey,conducted by the Chamber of Commerce (CNC),found that non-reporting of incidents remains consistent at 56.2%.
Retail Crime Surges in Chile, Security Costs Rise
Table of Contents
- Retail Crime Surges in Chile, Security Costs Rise
- Retail Crime in Chile: What Businesses Need to Know
- What’s Happening with Retail Crime in Chile?
- Where is Retail Crime Most Prevalent?
- What Types of Crimes are Businesses Experiencing?
- What is the impact of Increased Crime on Businesses?
- How are Businesses Responding to the Crime Surge?
- Are Businesses Reporting Incidents?
- Are Businesses Seeing Results from Reporting Crime?
- What are Security Costs Doing?
- Key Findings: Summary Table
SANTIAGO, Chile (April 9, 2025) — A recent survey indicates that criminal activity targeting businesses in Chile has increased, with nearly 60% of businesses reporting incidents, a figure exceeding pre-pandemic levels. this rise in crime is prompting businesses to double their security spending, yet perceptions of insecurity remain high.
Crime Hotspots and Business Impact
The survey, conducted between Jan. 9 and Feb. 21, encompassing 1,202 businesses across Iquique, Antofagasta, Valparaíso, Gran Santiago, concepción, Talcahuano, Temuco, and puerto Montt, revealed a concentration of increased illegal activity in Valparaíso, viña del Mar, Antofagasta, and Temuco.
Despite the escalating crime rates,the survey,conducted by the Chamber of Commerce (CNC),found that non-reporting of incidents remains consistent at 56.2%. Furthermore, 76.3% of businesses that do report incidents see no tangible results.
Rising Security Costs, Persistent Insecurity
José Pakomio, president of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed deep concern over the survey’s findings. “The measurement results are deeply worried,” Pakomio said, highlighting the doubling of security expenditures among small and medium-sized businesses.
Pakomio noted that despite increased investment in security measures, “the perception of insecurity and the presence of organized crime in many neighborhoods do not decrease.”
Types of Crimes Affecting Businesses
The most prevalent crime reported was theft, accounting for 27.5% of incidents. Other common crimes include:
- Material damage to premises (25%)
- “Hormiga” theft (24%) – *Translator’s note: likely refers to small-scale, persistent theft*
- Theft of commercial vehicle accessories (13.1%)
- Economic crime (11.4%)
Pakomio also stated that cases of merchandise theft during transit, robbery with violence, and looting were reported.
Retail Crime in Chile: What Businesses Need to Know
This article explores the rising tide of retail crime in Chile, offering insights into the types of crimes, affected areas, and the impact on businesses. We’ll also examine the challenges businesses face and the measures they’re taking.
What’s Happening with Retail Crime in Chile?
A concerning trend has emerged in Chile: retail crime is on the rise.A recent survey indicates that nearly 60% of businesses in Chile have reported incidents of criminal activity. This figure surpasses pre-pandemic levels, highlighting a meaningful increase in criminal activity targeting businesses.
Where is Retail Crime Most Prevalent?
The survey identified specific hotspots where illegal activity is concentrated.These areas, encompassing 1,202 businesses between January 9 and February 21st, include:
Valparaíso
Viña del Mar
Antofagasta
Temuco
What Types of Crimes are Businesses Experiencing?
Businesses face a variety of criminal activities. According to the survey, the most prevalent crime reported was theft, accounting for 27.5% of incidents. Other common crimes include:
Material damage to premises (25%)
“Hormiga” theft (24%) - Translator’s note: likely refers to small-scale, persistent theft
Theft of commercial vehicle accessories (13.1%)
Economic crime (11.4%)
* Merchandise theft during transit, robbery with violence, and looting were also reported.
What is the impact of Increased Crime on Businesses?
The rise in criminal activity presents significant challenges for businesses. A major result is the need to increase security spending. The survey highlights this by stating that businesses are doubling their security expenditures.
How are Businesses Responding to the Crime Surge?
Businesses are responding by increasing their investments in security measures.However, despite these efforts, the perception of insecurity remains high. Additionally, the President of the Chamber of Commerce has expressed concerns that increased investment in security measures hasn’t reduced the perception of insecurity or the presence of organized crime.
Are Businesses Reporting Incidents?
Despite the escalation in crime rates, non-reporting of incidents remains consistently high at 56.2%. This means that a significant portion of crimes aren’t being reported to the authorities.
Are Businesses Seeing Results from Reporting Crime?
Unfortunately, the survey indicates that even when businesses report incidents, tangible results are often lacking. A striking 76.3% of businesses that do report incidents see no tangible results.
What are Security Costs Doing?
Security expenditures are on the rise. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, are doubling their spending on security measures in an effort to protect their assets.
Key Findings: Summary Table
To summarize the key findings from the survey on retail crime in Chile, hear’s a table:
| category | Finding | Percentage/Details |
| :—————— | :——————————————————————————————————- | :——————————————————————————– |
| Businesses Affected | Businesses reporting crime incidents | Nearly 60% |
| Crime Hotspots | Areas with a concentration of increased illegal activity | Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Antofagasta, temuco |
| Most Common Crime | The most prevalent crime reported | Theft (27.5%) |
| Non-Reporting Rate| Percentage of businesses not reporting incidents | 56.2% |
| Results from Reporting | Businesses seeing no tangible results from reporting | 76.3% |
| Security Spending | Businesses are | Doubling Security expenditures |
| impact of Security Measures | Despite increased investment in security measures | The perception of insecurity and the presence of organized crime in many neighborhoods do not decrease.|