Investigators from the Specialized Criminal Investigation Division (DEIC), agents from the Tourism Security Division (DISETUR) and delegates from the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) carry out operations in the surroundings of the La Aurora zoo, zone 13, as part of a strategy to identify and profile people who operate as park parkers and who would be linked to criminal acts.
The actions are carried out in coordination with the Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes against Foreign Tourists, of the Public Ministry (MP), and aim to verify the background, solvency and possible links of these individuals with criminal structures that operate in the sector.
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), the operations respond to multiple complaints spread on social networks, in which users point out that some parkers deceive visitors by ensuring that the zoo parking lot is full, and then directing them to spaces on public roads, where vehicle thefts occur.
The authorities are investigating the possible existence of an organized structure dedicated to the theft of belongings in cars parked near the park. According to the allegations, the alleged caregivers would use vests to appear to be in control of the area and generate trust among drivers.
During the operations, agents inspect the area, interview the people who provide the informal parking service and collect information that allows establishing criminal responsibilities.
The La Aurora zoo is one of the busiest tourist spots in the capital, especially during weekends and high seasons, which makes it an attractive target for groups dedicated to crimes against visitors.
The PNC reported that these operations will continue periodically and will be extended to other tourist spots in the country, in order to prevent crimes and guarantee the safety of national and foreign tourists.
The authorities urged the population to report any suspicious incident and recommended using only authorized parking areas to avoid becoming victims of theft.
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