Cancún Police Boost Presence in Three Neighborhoods to Build Trust

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Up to 80 municipal police officers, 10 patrol cars, and a medical unit swept through the Valle Verde, Avante, and Tres Reyes neighborhoods Monday in a community outreach operation designed to build trust and improve residents’ sense of security.

The convoy moved along López Portillo Avenue with officers riding in patrol cars and in the bed of a pickup truck, and the presence of female officers was notable. When the vehicles reached the heart of each neighborhood, the officers stepped out and walked through the streets.

The operation’s goal, according to the director of the Benito Juárez Citizen Security Police, is to strengthen the construction of peace, increase closeness between police and the public, and improve the perception of security in these communities and across the city.

Residents said they welcomed the visits, but they also voiced concerns about crime and disorder.

Ermita, who lives in the second section of Tres Reyes, said she has heard gunshots at night and heard about new neighbors described as dangerous, house burglaries, and thieves. “In the depths of the colony is where uglier things happen,” she said. “You hear shots, you see suspicious cars at night, and neighbors are noisy with their parties and music. The police only pass through and leave; they don’t stop to see what’s happening. I’m going to talk to them so they can do more than just patrol the second section.”

Sarai, a resident of Avante, said she was once harassed by a drunk man on her way to work. “He approached me and spoke to me rudely, tried to touch me,” she said. She also mentioned loud neighborhood parties and said children can’t play outside because of the risk of being hit by motorcycles and cars.

Jorge Estrada, a merchant who has lived in the area for 15 years, said the presence of police calms him. “Seeing police in the neighborhood brings some tranquility, because criminals think twice before bothering people,” he said. He recalled that for years police did not even enter the neighborhoods, and now he and other merchants would like the presence to be more constant and effective.

Cecilia, from Valle Verde, asked for more police presence at schools during arrival and dismissal times. “It would be good to have more police at schools like the Antonio Mediz elementary, so mothers and students feel more secure and confident,” she said.

Another resident, Alejandro, said: “It’s good that the police come to the neighborhoods and talk to us so we can trust them. We see them more often now, but we want to tell them what’s happening on the streets.”

By visiting residents door to door, the Public Security Department hopes to learn about neighborhood concerns and plan better security strategies.