**Increased Police Presence Requested by Tijuana Businesses**
Businesses in Tijuana are urging for a heightened police presence in commercial zones and currency exchange offices situated on the city’s outskirts to deter robberies during the bustling holiday season. According to Julián Palombo Saucedo, president of the National Chamber of Commerce in Tijuana (Canaco), while security has been bolstered in the tourist-heavy downtown areas including the Historic Center and Avenida Revolución, it’s crucial to extend this vigilance to the peripheral commercial areas.
Palombo Saucedo emphasized the need for increased patrols, especially since these times of year tend to see a surge in criminal activities due to people carrying extra cash for holiday shopping and year-end bonuses. To this end, discussions have been held with the Municipal Secretariat for Security and Citizen Protection in Tijuana (SSPCM) to ensure regular police patrols at currency exchanges, which have been vulnerable to incidents throughout the year, including robberies and arson attacks.
There’s also a call for enhanced security in shopping centers, particularly in parking lots, to prevent car thefts and robberies. Shoppers are advised to keep purchases out of sight in vehicles. The president of Canaco recommends that business owners implement security measures like alarms, surveillance cameras, and emergency alert apps. Furthermore, establishing group chats with authorities for quick notifications of any criminal activity is encouraged.
**Secondary Article: Recent Security Updates and Weather Effects in Tijuana**
Recent security measures have seen tourist police on electric scooters keeping a watchful eye on the Central Zone. Meanwhile, a new security filter has started operating at the San Ysidro border crossing, albeit with low vehicular traffic reported.
Regarding environmental concerns, strong Santa Ana winds have led to several active fires, especially in Tijuana’s eastern regions that are more susceptible due to low humidity. These conditions are forecasted to persist into the week.
Celebrators gathered at the Agua Caliente Tower to mark International Clown Day, highlighting the city’s diverse cultural events. However, ongoing debates remain on pollution control in Tijuana, with authorities urging a ban on fireworks sales to combat rising air pollution levels expected on December 24 and 31.
Lastly, there are logistical concerns as transport officials advocate for the Otay 2 port to alleviate traffic congestion at Otay, stressing the complexity of implementing this solution, as it hinges on federal decisions.