Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — In an effort to enhance safety and deter criminal activity, the Tactical Operations Group (GOT) has increased its presence in Puerto Vallarta. This is part of a broader strategy initiated by the Citizen Security Commission aimed at curbing crime in key areas of the city through heightened surveillance and increased police patrols.
Throughout the past weekend, 10 members of the GOT were deployed across Puerto Vallarta, conducting mobile patrols in two vehicles. Their routes covered critical areas such as Highway 544, from Las Juntas to Las Palmas, and key thoroughfares including Medina Ascencio, Francisco Villa, Prisciliano Sánchez, and the Luis Donaldo Colosio Bypass. In addition, they monitored parking lots at prominent shopping centers, such as Chedraui Playa de Oro, Soriana Pitillal, and Macroplaza, all of which reported no incidents during the weekend operation.
The targeted neighborhoods, which include Pitillal Centro, Bobadilla, Del Toro, Coapinole, San Esteban, Aramara, Vallarta 500, and Vallarta 750, have seen an increase in police presence due to higher crime rates. Officers focused on securing these areas, offering protection to both merchants and residents engaged in weekend shopping. The operations were coordinated under the leadership of Deputy Director of Operations, Carlos Humberto Arce Villaseñor. Joint patrols with other local security forces further ensured a comprehensive safety net across the city.
One notable incident took place around 9:39 p.m. in the San Esteban neighborhood, where officers responded to reports of gunshots near the intersection of Venustiano Carranza and 24 de Febrero streets. Witnesses described seeing individuals in two vehicles, from which the shots allegedly originated. Despite an exhaustive search, the vehicles were not located, and further information regarding the suspects remains unavailable at this time.
In addition to reinforcing security in the north and central parts of Puerto Vallarta, officers also patrolled the southern neighborhoods of Centro, Lázaro Cárdenas, Emiliano Zapata, and Zona Romántica. These areas, which attract a significant number of tourists and are vital to the city’s economy, were given special attention in order to prevent criminal activity and maintain a safe environment for both visitors and local business owners.
The Citizen Security Commission emphasized that the security operations will continue indefinitely as part of a concerted effort to meet the municipal government’s directive of ensuring public safety and crime prevention across Puerto Vallarta. The GOT, along with other security units, will remain active in monitoring areas with higher crime rates while extending their efforts to safeguard the entire municipality.
