Armed Forces to Patrol Cancun Shopping Malls as Security Concerns Escalate
Cancun boosts shopping center security with more police and armed forces due to rising crime. "Operativo en Zonas Comerciales" intensifies during peak seasons. This builds on a six-year-old agreement addressing robberies.
In a move aimed at reassuring both local consumers and tourists, authorities in this popular resort city are significantly increasing security measures within its bustling shopping centers. The initiative, which includes a more visible presence of both municipal police and federal armed forces, comes in response to rising concerns about criminal activity in these commercial hubs.
The heightened security strategy is being spearheaded by the Ayuntamiento de Benito Juárez, the municipality encompassing Cancún, through its Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana y Tránsito (Secretariat of Citizen Security and Transit). This effort intensifies during peak tourist seasons through what is known as the "Operativo en Zonas Comerciales" (Operation in Commercial Zones).
According to a statement from the Secretaría General del Ayuntamiento de Benito Juárez, while shopping centers in Cancún already employ private security personnel, the current strategy involves a more robust external presence that will now be intensified. The rationale behind this increased vigilance is directly linked to a recent uptick in criminal incidents within the city's commercial spaces.
"Estamos reforzando la presencia con seguridad pública municipal y seguimos trabajando en coordinación con todas las corporaciones federales: Guardia Nacional, Marina y Sedena," stated the municipal authority, underscoring the multi-agency approach to the issue.
The decision to augment security forces in shopping centers follows a pattern of criminal behavior that has been a point of concern for several years. As noted in the provided material, "Desde ese momento, cuando se firmó el convenio, se habló sobre los robos en las plazas comerciales y sus estacionamientos que iban en aumento." This refers to a collaborative agreement established six years prior between the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública y Tránsito – now the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana y Tránsito – and local shopping centers.
Eduardo Galaviz, who championed that initial agreement during his tenure as president of the Asociación de Plazas Comerciales (Association of Shopping Centers), pointed out that "este año se requiere mayor presencia policial en Plaza las Américas y en todos los centros comerciales para que los espacios sean seguros."
Data from 2018 indicates the prevalent types of crimes affecting these commercial areas. "Los hechos delictivos que se cometían en 2018 con mayor frecuencia eran robo hormiga, tapones de autos, antenas y cristalazos," highlighting a range of offenses from petty theft to vehicle-related crimes.
The current security push builds upon the established framework of the "Operativo en Zonas Comerciales." During the last high season, the scale of this operation involved "más de 100 elementos y 45 vehículos oficiales para velar por la integridad física de la ciudadanía y turistas." This significant deployment demonstrates the commitment of local authorities to ensuring the safety and security of these vital economic and social spaces.
The reinforced vigilance is also being implemented in accordance with directives from the municipal president, Ana Paty Peralta, with authorities stating that security is being strengthened "de manera minuciosa en diferentes puntos estratégicos, en cumplimiento a las instrucciones de prevención giradas por la presidenta municipal."
The presence of armed forces within commercial centers, while potentially reassuring to some, may also raise questions among shoppers and business owners. However, local authorities emphasize that this measure is part of a broader strategy to deter crime and ensure a safe environment for everyone. The goal is to prevent incidents and maintain the appeal of Cancún as a secure destination for both leisure and commerce.
As Cancún navigates between economic prosperity and public safety, this increased security presence in shopping centers represents a significant step. The effectiveness of this strategy in curbing criminal activity and fostering a greater sense of security will be closely watched by residents, business stakeholders, and tourists alike in the coming seasons.
