On Thursday afternoon, officers of the Puerto Vallarta Municipal Police arrested a man who had just snatched a purse from a foreigner near the Castores parcel service along Highway 200. Witnesses reported that the suspect fled toward the highway on foot, but patrol units quickly surrounded and detained him within minutes. Conflicting reports claim the bag was recovered while others claim the bag was missing.
According to witnesses, the suspect approached the victim, grabbed her purse, and ran westbound. Patrol cars converged on the scene within two blocks, and officers detained the suspect without incident. It is unclear if the bad was recovered.
Puerto Vallarta consistently ranks as one of Mexico’s safer cities. According to the latest available data, the city’s crime index is moderate compared to national averages, and dedicated tourist-area patrols have helped keep pickpocketing and purse snatching at relatively low levels.
Municipal authorities have increased both foot and vehicle patrols along Highway 200 and in key tourist zones. Improvements such as enhanced street lighting and coordination with federal agencies bolster those efforts. Local business owners say the visible police presence helps restore confidence among visitors and residents alike.
While this arrest demonstrates that opportunistic thefts still occur, Puerto Vallarta’s overall safety framework remains strong. Officials advise visitors to keep valuables secured, use hotel safes when available, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
This story was updated: PVDN is awaiting confirmation from authorities if the bag was recovered after conflicting information was reported. PVDN was originally informed the bad had been recovered, however later reports indicate the bag was not recovered.
