Kidnapping reports in Baja California Sur (BCS) have seen a significant spike, doubling in the first nine months of 2026 compared to the entirety of 2025, according to official data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP).

Between January and September 2026, authorities recorded five kidnapping cases, a 150 percent increase over the two cases reported during all of 2025. The data shows a shift in the types of crimes being reported; while 2025 saw one case of kidnapping for damage and another for extortion, 2026 has seen a more diverse range of incidents, including express kidnappings.

The surge in kidnappings is part of a broader trend of rising “crimes against personal liberty” in the state. Official records show that these types of offenses jumped from 175 reported cases in 2025 to 490 by September 2026. This increase is primarily driven by the illegal withholding or abduction of minors and incapacitated individuals, as well as general crimes against personal liberty.

While the absolute number of kidnappings remains relatively low compared to other categories of crime, the sharp percentage increase signals a notable shift in the regional security landscape. Security experts note that while these official figures are essential for identifying trends and orienting prevention strategies, the actual incidence may be higher due to cases that go unreported to the authorities.

With three months remaining in the year, the 2026 data already far exceeds the total number of kidnapping complaints recorded in Baja California Sur during the previous year.