Like any other popular vacation destination, Cancun is not completely devoid of crime.
The difference is how it’s approached in order to maintain security in a destination that receives millions of visitors every year.
Cancun takes the safety and security of its visitors seriously, so it’s no surprise that security is being enhanced at Cancun shopping malls to keep shoppers safe following a recent string of violent events.
Here’s what they’re doing…
Utilizing The Auxiliary Police
One of the things that Cancun is doing to enhance security is utilizing the auxiliary police.
The auxiliary police force is an extension of the local police force.
Typically, they are utilized in situations that require additional security for public and private events and spaces.
Patrolling Shopping Malls
In this case, one of the things that the auxiliary police will be used for is patrolling shopping malls around Cancun.
The reason that they’re using auxiliary police rather than private security, which some feel should be used, has to do with the extent of protection that the auxiliary police can provide.
Private security guards are typically unarmed, while the auxiliary police, on the other hand, carry firearms, so they’re better equipped to deal with violent criminals.
Monitoring By Cancun’s Municipal Police
The municipal police will also monitor shopping malls and other busy areas around Cancun.
They will “make tours in the commercial squares aboard patrols, motorcycles and on foot, in order to generate social proximity and police presence.”
While there is some pushback on this because some believe that the municipal police should be reserved to protect the larger community, not private establishments, authorities are going to utilize them for this purpose.
What They’re Not Doing
One thing that Cancun is not doing to help protect mall visitors is installing metal detectors.
This is something that the community has requested, but officials have determined this kind of operation to be unfeasible.
Instead, officials feel that the presence of auxiliary police officers is a better response to the rise in crime in these areas.
Recent Violent Acts That Have Taken Place In Cancun
Several violent acts have recently taken place in Cancun shopping malls and areas.
One involved the attempted robbery of a jewelry store by armed men, which was stopped by the store’s employees sounding the alarm.
This took place at Cancun’s popular Plaza Las Americas, which, according to reports, has been experiencing an increase in robberies recently, with an armed robbery also taking place on the 12th of January as well.
Additionally, a man was recently shot and killed in the parking garage of the same shopping mall.
The Effect On Tourists
Fortunately, there haven’t been any reports of tourists being victims of these crimes, but they are in areas that tourists visit.
Reports of the crimes undoubtedly cause some fear for tourists, though.
This concerns officials who don’t want the image of Cancun to be affected, hence the increase in security in areas being affected by an increase in crime.
Safety Tips For Visiting Cancun
Despite the recent uptick in crime in Cancun, it remains a pretty safe destination for travelers because officials address security issues quickly.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to take some precautions, whether you’re visiting Cancun or one of the other several Mexican Caribbean vacation destinations.
Some of those precautions include:
- Staying in busy tourist areas where security is usually enhanced.
- Not traveling around alone at night.
- Avoiding showing signs of wealth when in shopping and tourist areas.
- Being careful around strangers.
- Staying aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when at a bank or ATM.
A few precautions will go a long way in ensuring your safety in any situation.
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