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Cancun has seen a bit of an increase in crime in recent months, but in response, security has also been enhanced in the destination as well.
The Navy using jet skis to monitor the sea, and hundreds of security officials being deployed to monitor tourist areas are just a couple of the measures being taken to maintain security.
In light of these and other security measures being taken, it’s not surprising that a new report is showing that more people than ever feel safe in Cancun.
The Most Recent National Urban Public Security Survey
The National Urban Public Security Survey is a periodic report released by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.
The results from the most recent survey, which were released, correspond to dates within the third quarter of the year.
They show that perceptions of insecurity in Cancun are lower than in June, going from 77.8 percent to 73.2 percent in September.
Sense Of Security Compared To Last Year
The most recent survey also shows that more people felt insecure in Cancun last year compared to the same period this year.
In September 2023, perceptions of insecurity were at 77 percent.
As mentioned above, this year in September that number is 73.2 percent, a significant decline in perceptions of insecurity compared to last year.
What This Means In Regards To The Recent Increase In Crime
The drop in perceptions of insecurity may be a bit of a surprise to some because Cancun has seen an uptick in crime.
The crime that takes place, though, typically is between rival gangs and drug dealers.
Very seldom does it affect tourists or citizens not involved in illicit activities.
Cancun’s Safety Status According To The U.S. State Department
The most recent update for the Mexico Travel Advisory from the U.S. State Department does not restrict travel to Cancun.
It does warn that Americans visiting Cancun should exercise increased caution when visiting the state of Quintana Roo, which is the state that Cancun is in.
The reason for the need to exercise caution is due to crime in the state.
Five Safety Tips For Staying Safe In Vacation
The State Department, in the travel advisory, offers several suggestions for staying safe when visiting places where increased caution is advised.
These are just general safety tips that should be applied when visiting any foreign country with higher crime rates.
They include:
- Keeping family informed of what you’re doing.
- Sending a friend or family member the taxi license plate number if you’re taking one alone.
- Not displaying signs of wealth, like wearing expensive accessories.
- Staying aware of your surroundings when visiting local establishments.
- Not traveling alone outside of the city.
Types Of Crimes Cancun Tourists Might Be Faced With
As a tourist, you must be aware of a few specific types of crimes when visiting Cancun.
Pickpocketing is one of them and can be avoided by wearing a crossbody bag or putting your wallet in your front pocket.
Another type of crime tourists deal with in Cancun is getting scammed by individuals selling fake tickets to attractions and events.
Last but not least, tourists have to watch out for drug dealers trying to sell them illicit drugs.
Security Measures That Are Making Cancun Safer
Much of the growing perceptions of security in Cancun are the result of what Cancun is doing to make the destination safer.
Recently they launched a massive campaign to improve safety, putting Naval officers on jet skis to patrol the water, and 600 on the ground to monitor busy tourist and local areas.
All of this not only increases the perceptions of security but actually makes Cancun safer too.
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Tim
Saturday 26th of October 2024
Not that I make any difference but we've been enjoying Cancun for 30 years and this April will be our 31st annual visit. We feel safer in Cancun than in some areas of the US ! This includes walks at night from restaurants in the Hotel Zone back to our hotel. Have never had an issue in any part of Cancun!