There is very little crime in Puerto Vallarta. The occasional car break in, usually occuring around the very busy holiday times such as Christmas and Easter, presumably committed by people from outside Vallarta who are attracted by the crowds at those times.

The local police do a good job.

There is even a special force of male and female "Tourist Police" recognizable by their uniforms of white shirt, shorts and white safari helmets , like the ones in this picture, no more, now they wear a black baseball cap, just like the city police, so you have to look at the badges on the arm to know which one it is, Policia Touristca or Policia Municipal. The members of this force all speak English, so if you need any help, even just directions, they are there to serve you. There are other officers in black caps that are the traffic police (Transito) and in, yet another, black baseball hat are city police. I spoke to a couple of tourist police and they said that the safari helmets would break, if they fell off, I'll bet they're cheaper too. Miss the old ones.

Remember, also, that the system of law in Mexico is Napoleonic Law. In this system you are guilty until proven innocent. Don't get caught on the beach smoking weed, the beach is a federal jurisdiction and it will put a big dent in your wallet.

Puerto Vallarta has the, justly deserved reputation, for safety and security. It's quite safe to stroll back to your hotel at 3am without any hassle at all.