Cuenca Bolsters Security with New Surveillance Systems Amidst Concerns for Fuel Station Workers

Cuenca is actively enhancing its security infrastructure, particularly in the Hermano Miguel parish and its vital Industrial Park, with the installation of new video surveillance systems. This development coincides with growing concerns among fuel dispatchers in the region regarding their safety, underscoring a broader conversation about security challenges in the city.

Eight new video surveillance systems have been deployed in the Hermano Miguel parish, which includes the Industrial Park and other strategic zones. This addition brings the total number of monitoring points in this area to 15. Specifically, four of these new cameras are located within the Industrial Park at key intersections such as Carlos Tosi, Paseo Río Machángara, Octavio Moscoso Chacón, and Cornelio Vintimilla. The functionality of these new systems was verified by Xavier Barrera, director of the Consejo de Seguridad Ciudadana (CSC), during a tour on September 18, 2026.

The new surveillance technology is comprehensive, incorporating features such as facial recognition, vehicle license plate reading, and the ability to count people and vehicles. It also includes panic buttons and public address capabilities, designed to provide a more robust response to security incidents. This installation is part of a larger project with an investment of $919,000, which will see a total of 472 new devices active across the city by mid-October 2026. The focus on the Hermano Miguel parish is partly due to an identified atypical increase in violent deaths in this northern Cuenca area since October 2025. Gerardo Quito, president of the Asociación de Empresas del Parque Industrial de Cuenca (AEPIC), notes that the Industrial Park alone houses 82 companies and employs over 10,000 workers, highlighting the significance of enhanced security in this economic hub.

Simultaneously, there is heightened apprehension among fuel dispatchers in Cuenca. A worker, speaking from a service station in Cuenca, expressed fear about the current insecurity. The nature of their job involves handling a significant amount of money daily from fuel sales, which is seen as a major risk, making them potential targets for criminals. This concern is amplified by a tragic incident in August, where a dispatcher at a service station on the Cuenca-Azogues-Biblián highway, near Ayancay in Cañar province, died during a violent event. Carlos Salazar, president of the Asociación de Distribuidores de Combustible del Azuay, confirmed that the situation is worrying due to the necessity for dispatchers to manage cash. In response to these fears, some service stations have begun implementing private security guards to protect their employees. Edison Méndez, a Safety and Occupational Health technician from the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS), Cuenca campus, has identified several risk factors for fuel dispatchers, including cash handling, direct public interaction, night work, exposure to open spaces, and specific work schedules.

In related security efforts, the Guardia Ciudadana conducted an operation on the morning of Friday, September 18, confiscating bladed weapons, 'vigilante seguro' vests, and controlled substances across various sectors of Cuenca. This operation included reviews along riverbanks and under bridges in areas like Campus Balzay, where an individual was found with a bladed weapon, a homemade pipe, and controlled substances. Near the University of Cuenca, another person was found with a vest, a screwdriver, and electronic items. In the Milchichig sector, agents intervened under a bridge where two individuals were consuming prohibited substances. Guillermo Cobo, commander of the Guardia Ciudadana, stated that they collaborate with the Municipal Social Development's Proyecto Vida to support homeless individuals encountered during these operations.

What This Means for Expats

For foreign residents in Cuenca, these developments offer a mixed perspective on local security. The installation of advanced video surveillance systems in areas like the Hermano Miguel parish and the Industrial Park indicates a proactive effort by local authorities to combat crime, particularly in zones that have seen an increase in violent incidents. The features of these cameras, such as facial recognition and license plate reading, suggest a more sophisticated approach to monitoring and deterring criminal activity. This could potentially lead to a safer environment in these specific areas, which are important for both business and daily life.

However, the concerns raised by fuel dispatchers highlight that certain professions and situations remain vulnerable. While expats may not directly work as fuel dispatchers, the underlying issue of cash handling as a risk factor is relevant. Expats should remain aware of their surroundings, especially when handling cash or in situations that might make them appear to be carrying valuables. The general advice to avoid displaying large sums of money and to be cautious in less populated or poorly lit areas remains pertinent. The Guardia Ciudadana's operations, which target the confiscation of weapons and controlled substances, demonstrate ongoing efforts to maintain public order and safety in various parts of the city, including public spaces like riverbanks and areas near universities. These efforts contribute to overall urban safety, but vigilance and awareness of personal security best practices are always recommended.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec; elmercurio.com.ec; elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: existing site image, illustrative.