Cuenca Adds 90 Surveillance Cameras and Plans 400 Community Alarms for 2026

Cuenca's security infrastructure just got a significant upgrade. The Consejo de Seguridad Ciudadana (CSC) has incorporated 90 new video surveillance cameras across the city, with 28 additional systems planned based on community requests submitted through neighborhood councils.

The Camera Expansion

The 90 new cameras add to Cuenca's growing AI-driven surveillance network, which has been credited as one factor in the city's consistently strong safety rankings. The cameras cover key commercial corridors, public spaces, and areas identified by residents as needing additional monitoring.

Another 28 camera systems are in the pipeline for 2026, prioritized based on formal petitions from neighborhood associations. If your barrio has security concerns, this is a reminder that the petition process works -- the CSC does respond to organized community requests.

Community Alarm Network Growing

Beyond cameras, the CSC announced that 315 neighborhoods now have modern community alarm systems -- the networked alert buttons that allow residents to trigger a rapid response from nearby neighbors and security patrols.

More notably, the CSC has acquired 400 additional community alarms to be deployed through the first half of 2026. That's a substantial expansion that should reach neighborhoods that have been waiting for coverage.

Carnival Security Coordination

With Carnival 2026 underway, Mayor Cristian Zamora led a multi-agency security coordination meeting to prepare for the holiday influx. A Provincial Tourism Security Table convened at the Azuay Governor's Office, bringing together:

• Municipal police and transit authorities
• National Police
• Fire Department (Bomberos)
• Ministry of Health representatives
• ECU 911 coordination center
• Hotel and tourism chamber representatives

Zamora stated that Cuenca is "prepared to guarantee a safe and culturally enriching experience" for both residents and visitors during Carnival.

Context: Why This Matters

While Cuenca consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in South America, it's not immune to the challenges facing the broader region. Neighborhoods have raised concerns about an uptick in petty crime -- robberies, phone snatching, and break-ins -- particularly in areas outside the historic center.

The camera and alarm expansion is a direct response to those concerns. It's also worth noting that Cuenca's approach -- investing in community-based prevention rather than just reactive policing -- is part of what keeps the city safer than peers.

For Expats

If you live in a neighborhood that doesn't yet have a community alarm, check with your local directiva (neighborhood council) about submitting a request to the CSC. The more organized the petition, the higher the priority.

In the meantime, the basics still apply: don't walk distracted with your phone out, use registered taxis or InDriver, and keep valuables out of sight. Cuenca is safe, but it rewards awareness.

Sources: GAD Municipal de Cuenca, El Mercurio, Primicias