Mexican Navy Called Into Tulum To Reinforce Security as Crime Rises

The Temple of the God of Wind in Tulum, Mexico.

As crime continues growing in the popular tourism area of Tulum, Quintana Roo officials have announced they’ll be adding more members of the Mexican Navy to patrol the area, effective immediately.

The announcement was made last week by the Secretariat of Public Security and Civil Protection of Tulum, with 30 members of the Mexican Navy added to assist with efforts to make residents and tourists feel safer. They were deployed in the airport and in tourist zones, according to the Cancun Sun.

Tulum’s Mayor, Diego Castañón Trejo, reported that over 250 military personnel are currently in Tulum to reinforce security along with police. Nearly 100 of these are from the Navy, who all rotate between Tulum and other towns throughout the region.

The mayor also mentioned that patrols would increase in tourism areas throughout the year and that remote surveillance cameras would be increased throughout Tulum.

The Quintana Roo Crime Stoplight Report, according to the Cancun Sun, noted that Tulum had six “red lights,” or serious crimes, out of the eleven the report tracks on a monthly basis in December, a sharp increase in crime from November. Tulum had red lights connected to violent crimes, such as rape and family violence and homicides, as well as drug dealing and burglaries.

With Tulum International Airport expected to open this March, officials may want to stamp out any further growth in crime so as not to deter potential travelers who are eager to enjoy greater connectivity to the growing tourism hotspot.

JetBlue, United Airlines, Spirit, Delta Air Lines and American all announced future routes to the new airport following its official opening, including several easy non-stop routes from hubs in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State still classifies Quintana Roo under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution region of Mexico, though we encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance, avoid dark streets and stay in tourist zones.