The peaceful protests that took place this weekend in different cities of Guanajuato against the rise to the price of gasoline, were overshadowed by the wave of rumors and the looting of businesses in different sites of Irapuato and Salamanca.
According to local media, a group of suspected gang members from the “Colonia 18 de Agosto” gathered at Plaza San Roque on the afternoon of Friday January 7, where they attacked a RadioShack store and stole TV screens, speakers, cell phones, and other electronic appliances that were taken away on motorcycles, cars, pickup trucks or just on foot, leaving the store almost empty.
After the robbery, Municipal Police, Public Security Forces of the State of Guanajuato and the Mexican Army arrived at the scene, shutting down the shopping center, in order to avoid other acts of looting or vandalism.
An Oxxo convenience store, located on “Calle Oaxaca” was also attacked, and other attempts of looting took place during the evening.
This caused a wave of rumors that obviously widespread fear among merchants, most of whom closed down their businesses.
The municipal president of Irapuato, Ricardo Ortiz Gutiérrez, considered that peaceful demonstrations against the rise of gasoline prices could be justified, but disapproved the series of lootings that go in detriment of the commerce sector.
The mayor also reported that fortunately there were no injuries, and 23 detainees were taken to the Municipal Police Office, on the night of Friday January 7.
Source: http://www.elfinanciero.com.mx