Re-victimization in vehicle theft in Morelia

Abstract

This study analyzes the problem of victimization and revictimization in Morelia, Michoacán, with a special focus on vehicle theft. It argues that the authorities' failure to fulfill their constitutional mandate to protect citizens causes additional harm to victims during the process of recovering their property. The research reveals inefficiencies in the justice system and the unexpected economic costs that victims must bear to recover their vehicles from impound lots, which aggravates their situation. The study details the capacity and operation of public and private impound lots in Morelia, Michoacán, exposing discrepancies in official information and the lack of a clear legal framework for the return of vehicles at no cost to the victim. It highlights the urgent need for the state to assume financial responsibility for impoundment costs and optimize procedures to avoid revictimization, proposing legislative reforms that guarantee the restitution of property at no cost, as part of the state's obligation to ensure legal and public safety.