Residents from the Mutualista Azuay, Progreso, and El Cebollar sectors gathered in Cuenca for a community security assembly focused on growing concerns about crime, public disorder, and suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
The meeting took place at a local community center and brought together neighborhood leaders, residents, and representatives from the National Police to discuss ongoing security problems affecting the area.
During the assembly, residents expressed concern about the presence of suspicious individuals in public spaces and said the situation has created anxiety among families living in the sector.
Neighbors also raised concerns about homes allegedly being rented to people they described as having “dubious backgrounds,” along with the frequent circulation of motorcycles used for delivery services, which some residents believe complicates efforts to identify suspicious activity during criminal incidents.
Another major issue discussed was the operation of liquor stores and the continued consumption of alcohol in public areas. Residents said public drinking has contributed to disturbances, confrontations, and a growing perception of insecurity in the neighborhoods.
Representatives from the National Police, including officers assigned to the Cayambe and Sinincay circuits, attended the meeting and explained the preventive patrol and monitoring actions currently underway in the area.
Police officials also encouraged residents to strengthen neighborhood organization and communication in order to improve emergency response times and increase cooperation between citizens and authorities.
As part of the agreements reached during the assembly, residents decided to reactivate community alarm systems throughout the affected sectors.
At least 30 neighbors committed to participating in the reinstallation and operation of the alarm network, which is intended to help residents quickly alert one another and authorities in the event of suspicious activity, robberies, assaults, or emergencies.
Community alarm systems have increasingly become part of neighborhood security strategies in Ecuadorian cities, particularly in areas where residents feel police resources are limited or response times are inconsistent.
The meeting reflects broader security concerns that continue to shape daily life in many urban neighborhoods across Ecuador, where residents are organizing locally to address crime prevention, public safety, and emergency coordination.