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At the end of the first half of the year, the average monthly number of murders was 240 Caracas, according to data provided by Venezuelan authorities, even though the authorities claim that police raids have attained great results.

During the first six months of 2009, there have been 1,448 murders in Caracas and 3,059 people have been injured in several violent actions. During the same period last year, the Ministry of Interior and Justice recorded 1,207 murders in Caracas, while throughout the year there were a total of 2,415 murders and 5,098 injured.

Therefore, some experts believe that at the end of the year, there will be for the first time in Caracas history more than 3,000 murders. The last months of the year are generally more violent, among other reasons, because there is a higher circulation of money due to the payment of Christmas bonuses and profit sharing in December.

The most affected group comprises people residing in Libertador Municipality. In that area of Caracas, 914 people have been killed so far this year. The more violent zones are Antímano, Sucre, 23 de Enero, Altagracia, El Paraíso, La Vega, El Valle and La Pastora. Seventy percent of the crime is focused in that area, which is also the most populated sector of the Venezuelan capital.

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas

Gustavo Rodríguez
EL UNIVERSAL