Cancun is typically a safe vacation destination, despite the presence of crime outside of the tourist areas, but a recent shooting in the Hotel Zone is a reminder that crime can happen anytime and anywhere.
In this case, a 12-year-old boy was caught in the crossfire and killed, and officials are not taking it lightly.
In response to this recent beach shooting, Cancun is increasing security across the board.
Let’s look at some of the steps they’ll be taking to improve safety and the sense of security in the destination.
Increased Security On Beaches
Because the recent shooting took place on a beach in Cancun, one of the steps officials will be taking is adding more security to monitor the beaches in the destination.
The number of police officers and other security officials has significantly increased following Sunday’s incident.
The purpose of intensifying these security measures is to prevent another tragic incident.
More Cameras In Restaurants
In an attempt to prevent crime at restaurants in Cancun, hundreds of cameras are being installed.
They will be connected to the city’s C5 command center so that they can be monitored and checked if a crime should occur.
There have already been 300 cameras connected, and officials are expecting another 200 to be connected by this winter.
Surveillance Enhanced Throughout The City
Surveillance points will also be installed throughout the city of Cancun.
This is in order to be able to respond quicker when something happens and to get ahead of the investigation by having information on the individual who committed the crime.
70 monitoring points, each with four surveillance cameras, will be installed, 20 of which have already been completed.
Perceptions Of Safety In Cancun
This recent shooting is even more shocking because it comes on the heels of a new report that was released that shows people feel safer in Cancun than previously.
While the percentage of people who feel safe in Cancun only increased by 4.6 percent, that slight increase occurred in just a matter of a few months.
Much of this change in perceptions of security is being attributed to the work of the local police force.
The U.S. State Department’s Warning
It wasn’t that long ago that the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory regarding Cancun’s home state of Quintana Roo.
It was a lower-level advisory, not restricting travel in the region but suggesting that travelers exercise caution when visiting.
The warning indicates that crime is the reason for the need to exercise increased caution.
Cancun’s Popularity Among American Travelers
The biggest proof that Cancun is generally thought of as a safe vacation destination is how many American travelers visit the destination every year.
Millions of travelers from the U.S. and from around the globe have already visited Cancun this year.
Millions more are expected in the coming months, despite travel warnings and instances of crime.
Safety Tips For Visiting Cancun
No matter where you vacation, there are some general safety rules that you should follow.
These tips will greatly improve your chances of staying safe during your next Cancun vacation.
They are:
- Keep your passport in a safe place, not on you.
- Avoid flaunting wealth.
- Travel in pairs or groups.
- Don’t walk around alone at night.
- Don’t take drinks from strangers.
- Stay in contact with family and friends.
- Avoid becoming too intoxicated.
- Stay away from illegal activities.
- Stay in tourist areas.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
These tips apply when vacationing anywhere in the world, especially somewhere that you’ve never been before or don’t know well.
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