SECURITY ADVISOR > MEXICO CITY

General Information:

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, car thefts, carjackings, credit card fraud, and various forms of kidnapping continue.

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

Wearing of expensive jewelry and 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.

Crimes Involving Taxis:

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 indicated by an "L" in the first place of the vehicle's registration number and license plate. "Sitio" taxis, indicated by the initial letter "S," are far safer and more reliable, and worth the added expense. 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. 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.

Post-specific Concerns

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 nationwide. 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 industrywide withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards. 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, most 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

Cloning or Counterfeiting ATM or Credit Cards

Cloning or counterfeiting of ATM cards and credit cards occurs in Mexico, and travelers are advised to check their account activity online 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.

Police Response

Police corruption and police involvement in criminal activity is both legendary and true in Mexico.
Reporting crime is an archaic, exhausting process in Mexico, and is widely perceived to be a waste of time except for the most serious of crimes or where a police report is required for insurance purposes. 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 will arrive in a timely fashion ,or at all, is questionable.

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.

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, vet them to the greatest extent that you can. Ensure that they are trained not to volunteer information to strangers or to allow access of workers without prior authorization.

Travel Precautions

Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is 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; Emergency tool kit with:

Flashlight with additional batteries; Battery operated radio; Extra fan belt/drive belt; Extra fuses, spark plugs, and light bulbs; Duplicate ignition key; Screwdrivers (regular and Phillips head); Socket wrench set; Pliers; Wire; Electrical tape; Jumper cables; Compressed air tire pump; Flares/reflectors; Collapsible shovel.

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 travelers have adverse health reactions to the pollution and high altitude. 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
Health insurance is an important consideration. Travelers are responsible to ensure that they have adequate health coverage while in Mexico.

Additional Health Information

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

For international treatment and medical insurance: AEA International, (206) 340-6000.

Air ambulance service (recommended for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the U.S.): AEA International, (800) 752-4195.

Airport

Inf. aeroportuaria:
52-(55)-2482-2424
52-(55)-2482-2400
Inf. turística:
Área Int.:
52-(55)-5762-9309
Área Nac.:
52-(55)-2599-0330
Policía turística:
52-(55)-5250-5100
Servicios médicos:
52-(55)-5571-3084
Seguridad aeroportuaria:
52-(55)-5571-0497

Hospitals:

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

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

Hospital Angeles del Pedregal
Camino a Santa Teresa 1055
Col. Héroes de Padierna C .P. 10700
México D.F.
Teléfono: 5449 5500
Emergencies: 01 (55) 5652 6987, 5568 1540

Medica Sur
Puente de Piedra No. 150 Col. Toriello Guerra
C.P. 14050 Del. Tlalpan México, D.F. Tel. 54 24 72 00.

Embassy

Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 México, D.F.
Number:
From mexico:
Tel: (01-55) 5080-2000
Fax: (01-55) 5525-5040
From U.S.
Tel: 011-52-55-5080-2000
Fax: 011-52-55-5525-5040
ccs@usembassy.net.mx