Mexico 2008 Crime & Safety Report: Mexico City

Crime & Safety

Americas - Mexico
10 Mar 2008

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The overall crime and safety situation in Mexico varies widely depending upon location. The State Department’s Critical Crime Threat Level for Mexico City, however, continues to be well-deserved. Armed robberies, taxicab express kidnappings, car thefts, carjackings, credit card fraud, and various forms of kidnapping continue. The latest statistics from government sources indicate that crime rates in most major categories in Mexico City have leveled off over the past two years. Still, in the categories of murder, rape and robbery, Mexico’s Federal District posts 3 to 4 times the incidence of these crimes than major U.S. cities. There is no evidence to indicate that criminals are specifically targeting U.S. citizens. Criminals select victims based on an appearance of vulnerability, prosperity or inattentiveness. Within the embassy community, Mexican employees fall victim to crime far more frequently than do their American employee colleagues, a fact attributable to the differing demographics between upscale expatriate neighborhoods and the rest of the city in general. Ostentatious displays of wealth are magnets for thieves in Mexico City. The wearing of expensive jewelry, watches, and displays of large amounts of cash can draw unwanted attention. Jewelry and expensive watches can be sold easily. Stolen cell phones in Mexico can be resold easily as well. While Mexico City employs strict gun-control laws, thieves and robbers do not comply and are usually armed with knives or handguns.

Safety

The best crime defense for any visitor in Mexico City is to avoid the use of “Libre” taxi cabs, poorly regulated and often criminally-linked taxis historically indicated by an “L” in the first place of the vehicle’s registration number and license plate. “Sitio” taxis, historically indicated by the initial letter “S,” are far safer and more reliable, and worth the added expense. Currently all taxis in Mexico City are being issued registration numbers beginning with the letter “A”, so “Sitio” and “Libre” taxis are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Passengers who use “Libre” taxis are often robbed by two or three armed individuals who enter the taxi a few minutes into the trip, having been called or signaled by the driver. Also, “Libre” taxis are often connected to express kidnappings; abductions where the victim is turned around in a matter of hours for a small ransom or shuttled to a series of ATMs and forced to withdraw funds. Because 24-hour withdrawal limits are now the industry standard on ATM cards, express kidnapping victims are being held for 24 to 48 hours to maximize withdrawal amounts. Due to the danger involved in utilizing “Libre” taxis, and the increased difficulty in determining the difference between the different types of taxis, the best practice is to avoid hailing taxis in the Street entirely. Instead, call a radio dispatched “Sitio” taxi. 24-hour radio taxi service is available at 5516-6020 to 34, 5571-9344, 5571-3600. Transportation crime varies by category. Sitio taxis in Mexico City are most often metered and registered by the government. Sitio taxis from Benito Juarez International Airport are paid in advance in the terminal (at the Sitio stands) and are well regulated. City buses are somewhat crowded and can pose problems, as pickpockets work the most crowded, busiest routes. Tourist buses are generally safe within Mexico City proper; however, travel on the highways can be precarious, especially at night. If possible, travelers should avoid travel at night, and use inter-city toll highways whenever possible. Toll roads are called “Cuotas’ in Mexico, and are indicated by the capital letter “D” printed below the highway route number on area maps. It is also advisable to plan routes ahead of time and notify family or friends of the itinerary. Areas of greatest concern with regard to crime in Mexico City include the following: Colonia del valle within delegacion Benito Juarez, Colona Centro within delegacion Cuauhtemoc, and areas within delegacion Iztapalapa. No neighborhood in Mexico City, upscale or otherwise, is free from violent or petty crime.

Political Violence

Civil Unrest

The Mexican state of Chiapas; particularly in the mountain highlands north of San Cristobel de Las Casas, the Municipality of Ocosingo, and the entire southeastern jungle portion of the State east of Comitan, experiences occasional political unrest in conjunction with local land disputes. State and federal officials are reluctant to intervene to protect property rights in local land disputes between Mexicans as well as foreign landholders to include Americans. Chiapas has been the principal site of political turmoil, with local indigenous groups who support the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) in conflict with local public institutions.

Demonstrations

American interests in Mexico City are generally not targets of political violence. Peaceful demonstrations, small and large, protesting various U.S. policies and the war in Iraq occur at the U.S. Embassy periodically. Other public protests tied to political and social activist groups occur regularly in Mexico, often snarling traffic during peak commute hours on and near Paseo de La Reforma, the city’s primary avenue.

International Terrorism

While there does not appear to be any International or Transnational terrorist groups currently active in Mexico, lax immigration controls, the ease in which fake Mexican travel documents can be obtained and Mexico’s geographic location make the country an attractive transit point for potential trans-national terrorists.

Post Specific concerns

Earthquakes

In 1985 Mexico City was hit by the most devastating earthquakes in the history of the Americas. The earthquake measured in Mexico City was of magnitude 8.1 on the Richter scale. According to official government statistics, at least 9,000 people were killed, 30,000 injured, and 100,000 left homeless. 412 buildings were destroyed and over 3,000 seriously damaged.

Kidnappings

Kidnapping for ransom is an established criminal activity in Mexico. Most incidents go unreported to police. Unofficial estimates of kidnapping levels vary wildly, from 600 to
3,000 per year countrywide. In most cases, the ransom is paid and victim set free. The usual victim practice is not to notify police authorities, as the popular belief is that the police may be involved in the crime or certainly are unable to resolve the situation.
Express kidnappings are a common type of abduction and are based on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards industry-wide. The victim is generally held for 24 to 48 hours and is forced to withdraw funds from a series of ATMs.
 

Official Americans have not suffered this type of crime in over a year, but, anecdotally, many Mexican employees of the embassy either have been victimized themselves or personally know a victim. The term “express kidnapping” is also still applied to the kidnapping of random victims held for brief periods where only small ransom amounts are demanded. A typical scenario may last for several hours and be settled for the peso-equivalent of a few thousand U.S. dollars. Another kidnapping tactic used is the telephonic kidnapping threat, a.k.a “virtual kidnapping.” Although the calls vary in style, the methodology is invariably the same: the virtual kidnapping call includes a crying/pleading voice immediately after the call is answered and before the “kidnapper” gets on the phone. In this manner, they hope to confuse the victim and get them to give away important information; for example, if the crying voice sounds like your child in any way, and you call out that child’s name, the caller now knows the name of the child that could potentially be a kidnap victim, and will use this knowledge against you. The voice of the “victim” will usually be crying and/or hysterical. This makes it difficult to identify and increase the likelihood that you will believe it is in fact your loved one. Criminals will try to use fear, tact and timing against possible victims. For example, they plan their calls to coincide with times when it will be difficult to contact the child or another adult immediately (e.g. when child is either on their way to or from school). All calls demand money for the release of the loved one and stipulate no police involvement. Often times the callers will give statements to suggest surveillance such as: “we saw you at the school with your camioneta (SUV).” Very vague but implying they have been watching your family and using fear and everyday routines against you to reinforce the threat of the kidnapping. One of the most important things for you to know are the details of your family’s travel and location (where are they supposed to be, who are they supposed to be with, etc.). In addition, it is equally important that you ensure good communications (land-line and cell phone numbers) with your family members.

Drugs and Narco-terrorism

Mexico is well-known for its illegal drug trade and the violence and corruption the industry fosters. Mexico is the primary route or conduit for bringing illegal drugs into the United States. Drug-related violence in Mexico City is for the most part confined to those involved in the drug trade. Along Mexico’s northern border cities with the U.S., the violence is far greater, uncontrolled and has injured and killed innocent bystanders but is for the most part confined to those involved in the drug trade. Mexican security forces and police have been ineffective in maintaining security in these cities along the U.S.-Mexican border. Many have been corrupted and are working for the drug cartels as enforcers, body guards, and mules.

Cloning, skimming or counterfeiting ATM or credit cards

Cloning, skimming or counterfeiting of ATM cards and credit cards occurs in Mexico, and travelers are advised to check their account activity on-line at least weekly while in Mexico to detect fraudulent charges early. All ATMs are not the same, and travelers are encouraged to plan their cash needs in advance using only reputable ATMs in secure areas.

Here are some things that you can do to lessen the chances that you will become a victim of ATM or credit card fraud:

- Closely monitor anyone who handles your card.
- Keep low-limit credit cards. Keeping a low limit on your credit cards restricts the amount of money that thieves can steal. Although not exactly a prevention tactic, it will help if you fall victim.
- Sign all credit cards. Sign all credit cards on the reverse side immediately upon your receipt of them. You can also write “check ID.”
- Cancel credit cards that you do not use.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Prior to inserting your ATM card, check the ATM card reader to make sure that it looks appropriate and is not altered.
- Take your receipts. Do not leave receipts at ATM’s, teller windows, gasoline pumps, or with a clerk.
- Protect your PIN.

Police Response

Police corruption and police involvement in criminal activity occur in Mexico. Consequently, citizens are often indifferent to police authority. The general perception is that the majority of crime victims do not report crimes against them due to fear of reprisals by the police, the belief that police are corrupt, or the feeling that nothing would come from such reports. Mexico City police are sometimes considered to be underpaid, poorly trained and corrupt. Mexican police enjoy limited respect from the general population. Reporting crime is an archaic, exhausting process in Mexico, and is perceived to be a waste of time except for the most serious of crimes or when a police report is required for insurance purposes. Travelers may contact the Consular Section or the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City for assistance in dealing with the Mexican police (numbers listed below). U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with the police if stopped or questioned. If involved in a traffic accident or victimized by crime, one may be required to accompany the investigating officer to the local police station to file a complaint or respond to questions. Should a police report be required for an insurance claim, a nominal fee will be charged. The Mexican Police emergency telephone number is 066, whether they arrive in a timely fashion or at all is questionable.

Medical Emergencies

Health Concerns

Mexico does have health concerns. You should take normal tourist precautions with regard to drinking water, eating fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. Some individuals react negatively to the pollution and high altitude; so take things slowly at first. Travelers to Mexico City may require some time to adjust to the altitude (7000 ft.), which can adversely affect blood pressure, digestion, sleep, and energy level. Individuals with sickle cell trait should consult with the appropriate medical unit or their personal physician before commencing with travel. Short-term (TDY) assignments carry an added risk because of the lack of time to acclimatize. Dehydration, stress, or illnesses compound the basic risks of high altitude. For more information, contact your health unit or the medical clearances section of the offices of Medical Services. Health insurance is an important consideration. Travelers are responsible to ensure that they have adequate health coverage while in Mexico.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or fax: (202) 647-3000.

CDC International Traveler’s hotline - (404) 332-4559, http://www.cdc.gov.

For international treatment and medical insurance: AEA International, (206) 340-6000.
Ai ambulance service (recommended for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the U.S): AEA international, (800) 75-4195.

Travel Precautions

Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is in good operating condition, paying particular attention to the engine, tires, brakes, head and tail lights, spare tire and jack, horn, and fluid levels. Particularly on long trips to remote areas, try to travel in tandem with other vehicles, and advise someone of your travel plans, including anticipated arrival and departure times and contact numbers.

The following items are recommended for extended road trips:

- Cellular telephone with charger (although some areas between cities lack coverage);
- An extra spare tire;
- Portable gas can of gasoline with funnel;
- Potable water;
- Non-perishable food items;
- First Aid kit;
- Camping gear (sleeping bag, blanket, stove, etc);
- Fire extinguisher;
- Jumper cables;
- Flares/reflectors;
- collapsible shovel;
- emergency tool kit.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Protecting Your Vehicle

The headlights and tail lights are held in place by easily accessible screws. Install grilles around the lights, or simply tap out the heads of the screws holding the lights in place.

If your tire is mounted on the outside of the vehicle, secure it in place with chain and padlock, or similar device. If this is not possible, remove the spare tire and keep it at home, reinstalling it only for extended trips outside the city.

The theft of the vehicle’s operating computer is a common crime, as is the theft of car audio systems. The installation of a car alarm is strongly recommended. Also, if you purchase a car radio, look for models that can be removed from the dash and locked in the trunk. Also, keep your vehicle sterile, storing anything that would entice a thief out of plain view.

You should always lock your hub caps. Replace one lug nut on each wheel with a specially keyed bolt that locks or can only be removed with a special attachment to the tire iron.

Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street; instead park inside a residential compound, in a parking lot with an attendant, or at least within view of the location of your visit. If this isn’t possible, leave your car at home and take a taxi. When parking in a lot of a shopping facility, be sure to park as close as possible to the store entrance, and away from dumpsters, bushes or large vehicles. Be sure to lock your doors, close windows and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk, out of sight.

As previously mentioned, installation of a car alarm is a necessary precaution in deterring vehicle thefts and thefts of interior contents.

Protecting Yourself

Avoid wearing jewelry and carry a clutch purse or a neck purse instead of a shoulder bag. Carry a wallet in the front trouser pocket or front jacket pocket. Never leave shopping bags or merchandise unattended. When hiring domestic help, you should conduct background checks to the greatest extent that you can. Ensure that they are informed not to volunteer information to strangers or to allow access of workers without prior authorization.

Personal Security Practices

• Maintain a low profile; do not advertise the fact that you are American. Dress casually, keep valuables out of sight, and do not draw attention to yourself with your actions;
• Vary your routine;
• Be unpredictable in your movements, vary your routes from home to the office as well as your departure and arrival times;
• Be alert to possible surveillance;
• Note any individual who appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled activities, such as going from home to office. Avoid sitting outside at restaurants. Instead, try to find a seat in an area not clearly visible from the street;
• Be alert to your surroundings;
• Minimize valuables and do not carry large sums of money while in crowded, urban areas. Be aware of popular scams and robbery tactics used to distract your attention.
  
  

Further Information

There are numerous private security companies available in Mexico City and nationwide. The Regional Security office (RS0) at U.S. Embassy Mexico City does not endorse any specific private security company, but provides the following lit for information purposes only:

- ADT Security Services
- Business Protection Private Group
- Centigon de Mexico (formerly O,Gara and Hess)
- wackenhut
- Intercon Security Services en Mexico
- Problem Solvers
- Vance International Mexico
 
Mexico country code: 52
Mexico City area code: 55

U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma, 305
Mexico, D.F. 06500
Telephone - 5080-2000 (24/7 Switchboard Operator)

Regional Security Office
0815-1730 M-F

RSO Duty Officer can be contacted 24/7 by calling the Embassy Switchboard Operator

ABC Hospital
Calle Sur 136 no. 118
Las Americas Tacubaya
Mexico, D.F.
Telephone - 5230-8161/62/63/64

Hospital Espanol
Av. Ejercito Nacional 613
Grenada Mexico, D.F.
Telephone - 5255-9600/9659/9660

Police Emergency 066 (new national number)

OSAC Mexico City Country Council
The Regional security Office supports an active OSAC Council, with a membership of over 80 companies. For information on osAc and future OSAC events, contact Ms. Janet Salgado at 50 0-2000, ext. 4918. For more information, contact the Re ional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Mexico City or OSAC’s Regional Coordinator for the western Hemisphere, or visit the councils online at: http://mexicocity.osac.gov.