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Playa Del Carmen is the latest destination in the Mexican Caribbean to introduce new measures to keep the millions of travelers who visit each year safer. The popular destination, known for its jaw-dropping beauty and unrivaled nightlife scene, has invested in more security cameras throughout the town to ensure that tourists are not only monitored to ensure their safety and peace of mind on their vacation but that their presence acts as a deterrence to would-be criminals considering breaking the law.
With a record number of travelers visiting the Mexican Caribbean last year and Cancun welcoming more travelers than ever before, high-profile crime incidents made their way across their border and into the news in the United States – but with several of the region’s towns investing in new and improved safety measures, the local government is hoping to avoid such incidents this year. Here’s everything you need to know about Playa Del Carmen’s investment in new security cameras, plus a re-cap of the other measures local destinations have introduced to make the region safer for all.
Playa Del Carmen Invests In Security – Information For Travelers
Playa Del Carmen is one of the most popular destinations in Quintana Roo. Located just an hour away from Cancun, the town receives millions of travelers each year in the form of both local and foreign travelers and day-trippers from Cancun. While the destination doesn’t necessarily have the reputation for crime and mishaps, last year saw several gun and drug-related arrests make the headlines. However, that could all be set to change.
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Last week, the municipal president of the region, Lili Campos, announced that a new surveillance and monitoring center was almost complete and is expected to be fully operational by mid-February. Along with the construction of this center, security cameras will be added in prominent locations in the town, including the popular main street Fifth Avenue, highway access roads, bridges, and other popular streets in the town.
The new surveillance project, which is called C2, is set to cost the local government an initial cost of 36 million pesos (around $1.9m USD), making it a significant investment in safety and security. Along with more cameras to keep people safe, it will also include new technology to help improve 911 calls and prevent a range of crimes, including fraud, extortion, and assault. It’s a positive move by the local government and the latest in many such improvements in security across the Riviera Maya.
The start of the new year heralded the news that crime rates in Cancun had fallen, thanks to a citywide crackdown on all types of criminal activity. September saw some 3,000 members of the military and National Guard sent to the city in order to provide protection and security for both locals and travelers alike. As a result, a series of high-profile arrests were made in Cancun that undoubtedly made the city safer for all, with scores of weapons and drugs eliminated from circulation.
Cancun wasn’t the only destination in the region to benefit from extra manpower last year. Tulum also welcomed 50 Navy officers to its crime-fighting operations, whilst Cozumel welcomed 100. The deployment of armed forces to popular destinations isn’t out of the ordinary in Mexico and usually happens every high season. The move is usually made in the name of precaution and prevention rather than reacting to incidents, so travelers shouldn’t be put off by their presence.
Aside from added manpower, the local government also introduced changes last year that made it safer for those carrying out their day-to-day activities in Cancun. More police checkpoints were added, while security personnel in bars and restaurants are subjected to background checks to minimize the risk of travelers being exploited when trying to enjoy all the city has to offer. With such positive changes being made, all that remains is for the city to get a grip on the taxi situation to ensure the destination is truly safer for travelers.
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TW
Monday 30th of January 2023
Perfect for the police to rip more people off. The only time I felt unsafe in Mexico was when police showed up. I didn't meet anyone who got not stopped and asked to pay stupid amounts of money for a so called crime. This must be fixed.
PCBytown
Saturday 28th of January 2023
More cameras, not more eyes on the cameras. False sense of security.