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Mexican Navy Called In To Reinforce Security In Tulum

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Seeking to create a “safer and calmer environment,” the Secretariat of Public Security and Civil Protection of Tulum has reinforced law enforcement in the area by adding additional members of the Mexican Navy to patrol the area.

They arrived last weekend to increase the overall public security in Tulum immediately.

Increased Patrols for Safety

Military Truck on the Street in Tulum, Mexico

According to Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo, an additional 30 members of the Mexican Navy were added to the existing law enforcement patrols in order to make the residents and tourists in Tulum feel safer about the area.

They were deployed to the area with additional technology and equipment to help support them as they carry out their mission in the area.

They will work in different areas of Tulum, including the airport and tourist zones, to provide an additional source of safety and security to travelers in the area.

More Than 250 Deployed

Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo said in a published report about the deployment that currently, more than 250 military personnel are deployed in Tulum to enforce the safety and security levels for locals and travelers.

a relaxation area in a new resort in tulum

Of the 250 current active military members providing law enforcement support in Tulum, nearly 100 of them are from the Navy. They are supporting the National Guard and State and Municipal Police in their role.

However, he did mention that the military patrols do rotate between other towns and states in the general region.

Other Plans to Increase Security

Additionally, the mayor also announced plans to significantly increase the number of remote surveillance cameras located around Tulum in the coming year.

Mexican Navy

He also added that patrols in the area would increase during the year and planned to focus on the entry arches of Tulum to ensure that the protection and safety of tourists and locals would start right at the entrance of the town.

Crime in Tulum Increases

Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo did not mention any specific threat to Tulum that caused concern and led to the added military enforcement.

However, the city did not fare well in the last Quintana Roo Crime Stoplight Report.

Beautiful View of Tulum Ruins and the Beach in Tulum, Mexico

Out of the 11 different crime numbers tracked on a monthly basis, Tulum had six red lights and two yellow lights. The crime report functions similarly to a stop light at an intersection. Yellow means caution, which is a danger sign.

Tulum had red lights connected to homicides, drug dealing, home burglaries, business burglaries, rape and family violence. The two yellow lights were for vehicle theft and injuries.

The December numbers showed a sharp increase in crime, as the November report only had three red lights and two yellow lights.

navy marines on beach

The March Deadline

Crime is definitely a focus since the amount of crime was up significantly in Tulum between the months of November and December.

The mayor really wants to get his hands around the issue prior to March, when Tulum International Airport will start to welcome international non-stop flights from the United States.

If crime is still a concern in March, it may detract from international tourists wanting to fly to the airport and spend time in the town.

American Airlines Plane

What Tourists Need to Know

Tourists should be aware of the current crime situation in Tulum and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.

It is important to note that there are current stories about tourists being targeted during the increase in crimes. However, the United States Department of State has not increased its traveler advisory for Quintana Roo or Tulum.

It does however recommend that tourists “are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.”

Travelers should also carry adequate travel insurance to protect themselves when visiting the area.

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Josué Hernández

Friday 26th of January 2024

Mexican marines not navy marina and marines are the same thing… get your military branches correctly

Dorothy Gunn

Thursday 25th of January 2024

Crime against tourists is directly related to tourists coming in, flashing their wealth with a sense of entitlement. Your a guest in someone else's country act respectfully or stay home.

Josué Hernández

Friday 26th of January 2024

@Barb, please call them what they are Mexican marines or don’t label the branch typical ignorant foreigners

Barb

Thursday 25th of January 2024

Tulum doesn't help itself by promoting Raves and edgy music festivals that draw a wealthy crowd interested in Purchasing illegal drugs. The drug culture is prevalent in Tulum and it attracts the crime that goes with it. One reason I didn't invest there, that and the poor infrastructure - don't swim in any cenote around Tulum.