Cozumel, a popular tourist destination in Quintana Roo, has been plagued by rising crime rates over the past three months, with residents voicing growing concerns about their safety.
According to data from the state Crime Stoplight, Cozumel recorded seven “red” and four “yellow” crime indicators between January and March 2025. This puts it in third place among municipalities in Quintana Roo for the highest number of incidents, behind only Playa del Carmen and Benito Juárez.
The statistics reveal a disturbing trend, with crimes such as drug dealing, vehicle thefts, business robberies, home burglaries, injuries, domestic violence, and even femicide on the rise. In January, “red flags” were raised for drug dealing (16 cases), vehicle thefts (17), and business robberies (7). February saw a slight improvement, but March’s crime rates surged once again with four “red flags”: drug dealing (13 cases), vehicle burglary (14), injuries (17), and one femicide.
A recent survey conducted by PorEsto in high-crime neighborhoods revealed that residents feel the distribution of public safety is unequal. While tourist areas are heavily policed, marginalized neighborhoods often lack a visible police presence.
Local resident Pablo Moreno expressed his frustration: “The government prioritizes tourism over our well-being. The police need to take action and patrol areas where crime is escalating.”
Citizens demand greater equity in security services and institutional presence, as the growing perception of insecurity in Cozumel reflects not only rising crime rates but also distrust in the effectiveness of implemented security strategies.
As the island struggles to balance tourism development with public safety, residents are calling for a more comprehensive approach to addressing their concerns. With crime rates on the rise and citizen confidence waning, it remains to be seen whether authorities can effectively address these pressing issues.
Source: Por Esto
