Puerto Vallarta Municipal Police arrested a man Thursday afternoon after he allegedly snatched a purse from a foreign tourist near the Castores parcel service along Highway 200.
According to witnesses, the man grabbed the woman’s purse and fled westbound on foot. Patrol units responded swiftly, surrounding the area and apprehending the suspect within minutes, just a few blocks from the scene. There are conflicting reports as to whether the stolen bag was recovered.
Witnesses stated that the suspect approached the victim unexpectedly before fleeing toward the highway. Officers managed to detain him without resistance.
Puerto Vallarta continues to rank as one of Mexico’s safer cities. The city’s crime index remains moderate, and targeted patrols in tourist-heavy areas have kept crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching relatively infrequent.
In recent years, municipal authorities have boosted both foot and vehicle patrols along Highway 200 and in key visitor zones. These efforts, along with improved street lighting and increased coordination with federal law enforcement, have strengthened the city’s public safety measures. Local business owners say the increased police presence has helped reassure tourists and residents alike.
While the incident highlights that petty theft still occurs, officials emphasize that Puerto Vallarta’s overall security remains solid. Visitors are encouraged to keep valuables secure, use hotel safes when possible, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Update: PVDN is awaiting official confirmation regarding the recovery of the stolen purse. Initial reports suggested the item was recovered, but later statements indicate it may still be missing.