Playa del Carmen Deploys Aerial Surveillance and Patrols for Buen Fin Shopping Season

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Authorities in Playa del Carmen have launched a security operation called “Buen Fin Seguro,” putting extra police, patrols and aerial surveillance on the streets through Nov. 17 as residents and visitors hunt for bargains during Mexico’s annual Buen Fin sales weekend.

Carlos Montesinos García, the city’s public security secretary, said the operation will reinforce preventive patrols in commercial zones and in the areas where the largest crowds gather. The surveillance effort will also draw on support from a helicopter and a drone, he said.

Municipal police officers will keep a visible presence in shopping areas and will respond to reports from residents, the department said.

Officials urged shoppers to take basic precautions during the sales period, including:

• Not leaving bags, purchases or valuables inside vehicles.
• Keeping handbags and cellphones in view, and keeping payment cards in sight when paying.
• Checking that the surroundings are safe before using an ATM, covering the keypad when entering a PIN and avoiding counting money in public.
• Protecting banking and personal data, and treating messages or calls that request passwords or verification codes with suspicion.
• Reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Residents can call 911 in an emergency and the 089 line to file an anonymous report.