The resort paradise that is also a violent crime hotspot

The Mexican resort of Cancun has a global reputation as a beach paradise.

Just recently, however, it has become a dangerous crime hotspot.

Travel Mole reports that police have recently found eight bodies dumped in two different locations in the resort region, believed to be victims of drug cartel violence.

The US State Department has issued a level 2 advisory for Americans, recommending travellers exercise increased caution while in the local Quintana Roo region, due to crime and kidnapping concerns.

The Canadian Government travel website warns "theere are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.

"Criminal groups and drug cartels are present in tourist areas. Inter-gang and cartel fighting has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs frequented by tourists.

"Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime."

The Australian Government's Smartraveller website says: "Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to high levels of violent crime".

So consider yourself warned.

In Cancun, state authorities have urged people "not to share on social networks false news that only damages the image of Quintana Roo".

Over 100,000 people have been reported missing in Mexico, Travel Mole says.

Five bodies were found in an abandoned building and three in a wooded area outside the resort area.

Earlier this month, Four men were killed in the main resort area after a gang dispute.

Four Americans were also kidnapped and two of them were killed.