Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Squid1234]

From what I understand the yellow cabs don't have meters and you are supposed to negotiate the price before you even get in (they are part of a corrupt union). The white Taxi's (red or green stripe) have meters and are supposed to take only pesos, so expect change to be pesos but you could get a bad exchange rate (10 P-1 $ instead of 20-1). They are newer Nissan Sentra's and were supposed to shake up the corrupt yellow union taxi's. I believe those are the ones with the official Taxi sticker on the windshield (passenger side). Rate should be no more than $5 USD (includes tip) for yellow and $3 for Taxi libre. The bad part is there is a line for them on the street when going to HK. When leaving there should be one on the street that you can walk up to. I'm not sure if you can tell the Taxi caller that you only want Taxi Libre. There's supposed to be a "Welo Taxi" app and they are on face book.

[Jackie888]

From what I understand the yellow cabs don't have meters and you are supposed to negotiate the price before you even get in (they are part of a corrupt union). The white Taxi's (red or green stripe) have meters and are supposed to take only pesos, so expect change to be pesos but you could get a bad exchange rate (10 P-1 $ instead of 20-1). They are newer Nissan Sentra's and were supposed to shake up the corrupt yellow union taxi's. I believe those are the ones with the official Taxi sticker on the windshield (passenger side). Rate should be no more than $5 USD (includes tip) for yellow and $3 for Taxi libre. The bad part is there is a line for them on the street when going to HK. When leaving there should be one on the street that you can walk up to. I'm not sure if you can tell the Taxi caller that you only want Taxi Libre. There's supposed to be a "Welo Taxi" app and they are on face book.Many Yellow cabbies have now repainted their cabs white. So unless it is clearly marked Taxi Libre, it is not a white cab. The yellow cabbies are assholes and thieves. Hope Uber puts them out of business.

[Captain Solo]

A few years back, Yellow cabbies leased some of the best and most expensive pick up and drop off sites in Tijuana, like right South of the border's metal gates and Cohuila in front of Adelita. They thought they had the monopoly, so they were acting like assholes. At one time dozens of them had demonstration against policias, with their cars blocking Coahuila for half an hour before policias arrived with their guns and night sticks.

After 2008 when there were fewer tourists crossing border, They improvised by offering shared taxi from border to Centro for 10 pesos, same as the bus fare without walking further and waiting for the bus. They would squeeze in 5 big fat Mexicans into their cab. Sometimes I would be sitting in the back between 2 MILFs or young sexy girls, feeling horny smelling their hot, sweaty, fragrant crotches and armpits. Hehe. No doubt the women also felt sexy with all that contact and bumping in the tight cabs. I encourage the bros to immerse in local lifestyles as much as they can.

A lot of Yellow cabbies would take my $3 fare to Coahuila, but a few were very rough and would start swearing when I refused to give them tips, which I swore back, calling them cabrone (asshole), pendejo (jerks) ect giving them fingers. But they are not all bad, and can also be good. My wingman was going through a divorce. After crossing back to the US, he found out he had left his new iPhone, costed him about $600 then, and car keys in a yellow cab at 2 AM a freezing winter night. We crossed back into Mexico, flagged down a yellow cab and explained the problem. He drove us back to the pick up center and talked to his captain. They got on the radio and within 10 minutes found the drivers with the iPhone. So my wingman tipped the Captain $5 and the driver $10 for driving back.

The taxi Libres can also be assholes. The metered fares between the border and Coahuila was only about 30 pesos. He agreed to $3 and I gave him $3 which was about 40 pesos, but he wanted a tip, and when I refused, he got angry and insisted that he was driving back to the border. When we passed the Arc, I called out to the police for help and kidnapping. The stupid jerk was so scared, he stopped the cab and dropped me off on the street. Hehe.

I encourage the bros to immerse in the local lifestyles as much as they could. Just remember most Mexicans live very hard life in poverty and oppression from both criminals and their government. So they may act harshly, considering. Just stay away from drug dealing crowd and you won't be harmed, just played with. During the worst years in 2005, I had 2 policias pointing the automatic weapons at me late at night to extort beer money, but I did not give them any, and they let me go with their laughs.

When the bros can defuse conflicts with locals without violence, eat their good food, screw their sweet young chicas to their heart content, feel relaxed and enjoying the stimulation from the environment, and colorful, fun interactions with locals, perhaps making some money or at least not losing all their assets in the local market, then they would have some training to take over the job for Secretary Clinton. Just imagine what she has to do everyday in her job, working with a bunch of stupid, brutal, murderous, greedy dictator assholes who who [CodeWord123] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123), rob, steal and pillage their peoples.


Many Yellow cabbies have now repainted their cabs white. So unless it is clearly marked Taxi Libre, it is not a white cab. The yellow cabbies are assholes and thieves. Hope Uber puts them out of business.

[Member #4450]

The yellow cabbies are assholes and thieves. Hope Uber puts them out of business.My experience is different. I never had any problem with the yellow taxis
Just make sure you make the deal before getting in. I used to take the white Taxi Libres but I found some of those libres pictured in the news with their windshield riddled with bullets so I don't feel comfortable with the drivers anymore.
The Libre are cheaper about a buck or two no worth it to me.

[HorseTrader]

Looks like another shooting, this one at my new favorite bar. Tropical.

Here is what I know: At about 7:30 tonight (Thursday) I took my new Tropical favorite upstairs at Rizo de Oro. Had a great time, showered, then just cuddled and caressed on the bed for the longest time. At about 8:30 the hallway got very noisy with many people talking. The knock didn't come until after 9:00, about 1. 5 hours into our 1 hour session. Got dressed and walked out to find dozens of girls wearing their Tropical outfits milling about the Rizo do Oro hallways and stairwells. Walked down the stairs and found the road barricaded, with extra isolation from Ninos Heros to a bit east of Tropical. Many police in the area.

Here is what I was told: First, at the bottom of the Rizo de Oro stairs a man told there was a shooting at Tropical. I looked down the street and found the highest concentration of police right there. About 20 minutes later I asked the doorman at Hong Kong if limo service was available, he told me that the limo would not be allowed to move until the police removed the barricade. The barricade was there because there was a shooting at Tropical but he didn't know if it was inside or outside. I took a cab to the border, according to the driver a customer came into Tropical and was trying to get a lady to go upstairs. The lady refused so the manager came to referee the situation. Then, the manager got shot.

I have no idea how much of what I was told is actually true. All the stories fit together nicely, but that doesn't mean they are true. If the cabbie actually told me the accurate story, it's quite impressive how quickly news travels in Tijuana. I think I was in the cab less than 90 minutes after the Tropical girls moved from the bar to the hotel.

Very sad that this stuff happens so frequently.

[Jackie888]

Looks like another shooting, this one at my new favorite bar. Tropical.

Here is what I know: At about 7:30 tonight (Thursday) I took my new Tropical favorite upstairs at Rizo de Oro. Had a great time, showered, then just cuddled and caressed on the bed for the longest time. At about 8:30 the hallway got very noisy with many people talking. The knock didn't come until after 9:00, about 1. 5 hours into our 1 hour session. Got dressed and walked out to find dozens of girls wearing their Tropical outfits milling about the Rizo do Oro hallways and stairwells. Walked down the stairs and found the road barricaded, with extra isolation from Ninos Heros to a bit east of Tropical. Many police in the area.

Here is what I was told: First, at the bottom of the Rizo de Oro stairs a man told there was a shooting at Tropical. I looked down the street and found the highest concentration of police right there. About 20 minutes later I asked the doorman at Hong Kong if limo service was available, he told me that the limo would not be allowed to move until the police removed the barricade. The barricade was there because there was a shooting at Tropical but he didn't know if it was inside or outside..Oh fuck! The manager of Tropicals is a decent guy. I have seen him throwing his weight around only once over the years. And that was the time he was protecting a girl from some drunk trying to get into the changing room. I remembered one time he insisted that I sit and enjoy the music and chill without having to buy drinks.

[Baxter Slade]

Preliminary reports are saying it was Vasquez who was shot. While I regognize many faces in the Zona Norte. I know few people by name, and Vasquez was one of them. Truly a good guy. I can only hope the rumors are not true.

[Captain Solo]

Same thing happened in HK about 4 years back.

A guy was abusive to the girls in HK. Security manager, a guy in his 30's, ejected him. He claimed to be a big shot in city hall and threatened to come back with a gun.

About 2 AM he came back asking for the security manager. When the guy showed up at the back door, he shot him dead right at the door. He ran away but policias arrested him a few hours later. Not even sure he worked at City Hall. Don't know what happened to him, most likely he got life for murder. There is not death penalty in Mexico.

It's stupid to murder people just because of a slight, but there seems to be a lot more stupid, hot-headed, violent guys like that in Mexico than in other countries.

[HorseTrader]

Today I heard numerous rumors regarding the shooting at Tropical. Only 1 rumor was believable, it came from 2 Hong Kong girls. Their story is that the shooter was in a private room with one of the girls. Things were not going well and the manager came to calm things down. The manager was shot. A short time later the police killed the shooter. The manager was taken to the hospital, but I heard nothing regarding how he is doing.

I'd be interested if anyone could get some good, reliable information on this event. I was too close to this shooting for comfort.

[Hargow20]

Recent reports indicate there has been quite a few muggings by Nino's Hero's and Calle Primera st. The key is always look behind you especially where is not other people around.

[Hargow20]

With all the recent muggings taking place I only take what I need with me to Tijuana. I only take passport and cash and keys. It's really a big hassle having to replace your ID and credit cards if you get robbed. This is something that I should have started doing a long time ago.

[Captain Solo]

Up to 235 years prison for this, very serious:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-teacher-philippines-abuse-20161118-story.html

Robert Ruben Ornelas, 65, of Santa Ana, was convicted of two counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, three counts of producing child pornography and two counts of possessing child pornography.

Ornelas taught in the Santa Ana Unified School District from 1992 to 2003 and coached a girls' softball team. Federal prosecutors said he traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions and was convicted in relation to three trips in 2006,2008 and 2012.

During those trips, he sexually assaulted two girls who were as young as 8, prosecutors said. Ornelas videotaped the abuse and brought the recordings with him when he returned to the USA.

Ornelas is scheduled to be sentenced by USA District Judge Cormac J. Carney on Feb. 27. He faces a mandatory minimum 15-year prison term for each of the three child pornography production charges and a statutory maximum penalty of 190 years in federal prison.

Ornelas is scheduled to be sentenced by USA District Judge Cormac J. Carney on Feb. 27. He faces a mandatory minimum 15-year prison term for each of the three child pornography production charges and a statutory maximum penalty of 190 years in federal prison.

[SaltShaker]

Info from a mesero at HK. A BG was working. Her boy friend came into Tropical and started to abuse her. The manager tried to intervene. The guy shot the manager. The boy friend proceed to take her from the club forcibly. The police arrived and shot the girl by accident, wounding her and shot and killed boy friend. The manager is in critical condition. This info was gathered on Sunday, November 20th. I had the mesero repeat the story twice. More verification is needed.


Today I heard numerous rumors regarding the shooting at Tropical. Only 1 rumor was believable, it came from 2 Hong Kong girls. Their story is that the shooter was in a private room with one of the girls. Things were not going well and the manager came to calm things down. The manager was shot. A short time later the police killed the shooter. The manager was taken to the hospital, but I heard nothing regarding how he is doing.

I'd be interested if anyone could get some good, reliable information on this event. I was too close to this shooting for comfort.

[HorseTrader]

Info from a mesero at HK. A BG was working. Her boy friend came into Tropical and started to abuse her. The manager tried to intervene. The guy shot the manager. The boy friend proceed to take her from the club forcibly. The police arrived and shot the girl by accident, wounding her and shot and killed boy friend. The manager is in critical condition. This info was gathered on Sunday, November 20th. I had the mesero repeat the story twice. More verification is needed.Thanks, this information is consistent with most other stories that I have heard.

I feel so bad for the manager and the bar girl. Makes me wonder how terrible the boyfriend treated her when they were in private settings.

[SaltShaker]

I agree. I hope the manager survives.


Thanks, this information is consistent with most other stories that I have heard.

I feel so bad for the manager and the bar girl. Makes me wonder how terrible the boyfriend treated her when they were in private settings.

[Captain Solo]

Tropical always had a guy at the door, more like a tout, never a security guy. I had never been searched at the door until this week, after the shooting.

When the guy started abusing his GF and try to remove her, where were Tropical's security guys and meseros? The angry guy could have been subdued quickly by 2 or 3 guys. The manager had to get involve in an explosive situation and got shot. A few asses will be in the sling this week when the manager is well enough to give the firing orders.

Where did Tijuana shoot the girl? Did not appear policia shot the girl inside the bar. Other posters reported the guy was shot dead in a parking lot nearby. Looks like he was able to take the girl with him after shooting the manager. Policia chased him to the dark parking lot, shot the girl in error, then shot the guy dead. The guy was armed and dangerous. He shot the manager. He kidnapped the girl. Looked like Tijuana policia did use reasonable and comparable force to eliminate his threat.

Like in most other countries, Mexican bar girls live very rough lives. Many if not most are in abusive and exploitative relationships with bad guys who live off their incomes by controlling and manipulating them with drugs, sex, alleged love, threat, violence. A few seem to have normal and stable family life with children.


Thanks, this information is consistent with most other stories that I have heard.

I feel so bad for the manager and the bar girl. Makes me wonder how terrible the boyfriend treated her when they were in private settings.

[Captain Solo]

A couple times I was sitting at the most crowded spot near Pista Norte when fights broke out, guys hitting each other with beer bottles of punching each other in the face.

Within a split second before I knew what had happened, half dozen security guys and meseros would have already swooped down on top of the aggressive guys, had them in their head locks and escorted them out the door. These guys are very good and fast at maintaining peace and order in the club. After ejecting the offensive parties, the meseros would come back in the bar, picking up their trays, milling around, smiling, bragging, joking among themselves. The fun party returned without a hint of any violence that had just happened.

Considering HK's chicas and wait staff work long shifts and make relatively little money, I always have in my pocket a stack of $ to hand out to the sweet, pretty chicas, the good meseros, security guys and floor managers. They work hard long hours, putting their lives on the line to protect the clients and provide them sexy good times. A little understanding, appreciation and generosity go a long way with these people.

[Hargow20]

The police have finally started cracking down and rounding up the ratero's. The new mayor ordered the police to crack down on crime. There was also some agency to oversee the police department as well. I believe that police are shaking people down however.

It is probably still a good idea to use due caution more is known however. The good thing is that things are finally starting to settle down in the Zona.

[Hargow20]

Went to Tijuana last night and there quite a few police around. Most of the police are driving around in the Zona. There is still 4-5 of the Ratero's hanging out on Constitucion by the parking lot. So it's best to keep using due caution all.


The police have finally started cracking down and rounding up the ratero's. The new mayor ordered the police to crack down on crime. There was also some agency to oversee the police department as well. I believe that police are shaking people down however.

It is probably still a good idea to use due caution more is known however. The good thing is that things are finally starting to settle down in the Zona.

[Captain Solo]

As the bros get ready to enjoy Christmas and New Year holidays, so do the poor working girls, hungry and desperate rateros and policias.

To avoid becoming victims to choke holds, assaults, robberies, it's safer to stay inside the big bars like HK, Las Chevelas, Adelita, Tropical and may be the newly-resurrected and staffed Chicago Club.

Avoid going outside as much as you can. If you have to, stay in the bar block in lighted areas, where the bars' security cameras have clear views to record any crimes.

Avoid walking on the dark sidewalks of Constitution and Ninos Heroes, or walk only with a few other wingmen.

[Captain Solo]

Drove South on Freeway 5 Friday about 7:30 PM. The car line waiting to cross into Mexico stretched back 2 miles, all the way to the San Ysidro Blvd exit. Usually the line starts to form around the last USA exit, and takes only 10 minutes to cross the border and clear Mexico's' Customs.

Cars were moving slowly, about 5 MPH. It took me 45 minutes to cross the border. Turned out traffic was choked up due to a pair of cars in a minor bumper thumper, stopping in the middle of the 4 lanes going West along the border. A woman rear ended a guy with a black Mustang. They were on the road arguing probably for the last hour. They did not give a flying shit about the hundreds cars delayed nearly an hour due to their stupidity. Some cars could have rammed into their cars and kill them both.

If one is involved in a non-injury accident, CHP suggests all cars to move to the right shoulder, or a safe exit, to trade insurance info. Don't park on the road, block traffic and potentially become a target for cars behind, causing more accidents. CHP should start giving stiff fines to people who park their cars on roadway to prevent accidents and traffic jams.

Tijuana has been doing a lot of road work in El Centro; Calle 3 was dug up and detour is directed. After Friday morning storm, there were huge water puddles of unknown depths, large pot holes and loose rocks on many streets. Many cars stalled out or get stuck in the water, had to be pushed out. I followed the cars ahead carefully but was still nearly stuck a few times. The car also went down hard in a few deep potholes, but the wheels seem to be fine.

I have seen lots of pedestrians wearing dark clothes wandering the dark streets of Tijuana at night; very difficult to spot at night, especially on wet dark roads. Some got hit and run over by cars. The bros are well advised to drive slow, be alert and use high beams head lights to avoid accidents.

It was so cold outside. It was a great pleasure to embrace the warm, supple, fragrant bodies of pretty girls in the hotel. Tijuana seems to have an ample supply of young, pretty girls in bars or on streets at all hours, any day of the week.

[Travv]

Heading back early around 6:30 am today to San Diego with a small backpack. While on Ninos Heroes heading to the parking lot, encountered a well dressed woman who became very aggressive and was, I believe, trying to distract me by incessantly talking while patting me in the pants area. One hand was in the groin, while the other hand was lightly patting my pockets looking for my wallet. I told her I was leaving now for San Diego and tried to walk away from her but she continued talking and "patting" so I then walked out into the street to get away from her. She then walked into a small shop near the street taco stands.

I believe this was my first encounter with a pickpocket. Step one is to distract you and the second is to locate and pull your wallet out of your pocket. The classic move is where one person sprays you with something by "accident" and another "helps" you by cleaning / patting you down to find your wallet. Keep your real wallet hidden and keep a throwaway decoy available for the thieves to take. Canceling your credit cards is no fun.

[Captain Solo]

Friday night in the alley, an old, crazy woman with frizzy hair was patting me on my jacket, feeling me up, while talking incessantly.

I was fairly sure she was trying to find my wallet. I was pissed off.

I told her to stay the fuck away from me or I would call the police. She took off but still mouthing off. All kinds of weird, shifty people hang out in La Zona.


Heading back early around 6:30 am today to San Diego with a small backpack. While on Ninos Heroes heading to the parking lot, encountered a well dressed woman who became very aggressive and was, I believe, trying to distract me by incessantly talking while patting me in the pants area. One hand was in the groin, while the other hand was lightly patting my pockets looking for my wallet. I told her I was leaving now for San Diego and tried to walk away from her but she continued talking and "patting" so I then walked out into the street to get away from her. She then walked into a small shop near the street taco stands.

I believe this was my first encounter with a pickpocket. Step one is to distract you and the second is to locate and pull your wallet out of your pocket. The classic move is where one person sprays you with something by "accident" and another "helps" you by cleaning / patting you down to find your wallet. Keep your real wallet hidden and keep a throwaway decoy available for the thieves to take. Canceling your credit cards is no fun.

[WombatEd2]

One afternoon, I bought myself a new wallet, in a shop near the zona. After moving all my cash, cards, etc. , into the new wallet, I put the old one in my back pocket, intending to dispose of it later.

A pickpocket got it. The old, tattered, empty wallet.

Nowadays, I keep my real wallet in my front pocket, and carry around an old one in my back pocket. In the old one, there's nothing but a card that says "Chupame, pendejo!

No takers yet, but given that many of the pickpockets are also ho's, . . .

[Oohdahling]

Greetings and thanks to everyone for the great information. On December 3 pm at about 3 pm I was walking across the bridge on my way to new pedestrian border crossing. At the east end I was stopped and aggressively searched by three uniformed police officers. They searched my pockets and pulled out the remaining $20 or so I had, it was all very aggressive and scary. They wanted to know if I had more money, I didn't. After a few minutes they gave me my money back and I was dismissed. I am a clean-cut Caucasian guy. This is another good reason to cab it back no matter how tempting it is to walk.

[Jackie888]

Greetings and thanks to everyone for the great information. On December 3 pm at about 3 pm I was walking across the bridge on my way to new pedestrian border crossing. At the east end I was stopped and aggressively searched by three uniformed police officers. They searched my pockets and pulled out the remaining $20 or so I had, it was all very aggressive and scary. They wanted to know if I had more money, I didn't. After a few minutes they gave me my money back and I was dismissed. I am a clean-cut Caucasian guy. This is another good reason to cab it back no matter how tempting it is to walk.On my last visit this summer I witnessed the same thing. Several cops stopped two clean cut white guys and aggressively searched them while ignoring everyone else. This occurred on their trip back to the border. I am speculating that there is a drug courier fitting your description. I remembered thinking "I have never seen tourists manhandled like this before."

[LifeIsABeach]

Thursday 12/15 at night around midnight was walking towards the big tacos stand. I had a root canal earlier and was still in pain. Felt a tap on my shoulder. I usually ignore them as there are many pasts there. Tap again and I turn around. It was a cop about in 40's with a walkie talkie. He say Buenos Noches. I said Buenos Noches and the rest was all Spanish and I did not understand a word. I explained in my broken Spanish that I was here for a root canal. He looked at me a couple of times and then went away. Seemed like they were looking for someone and I may have stood next to the drug dealers earlier in the alley. Nothing happened and the cop was polite.

[ScatManDoo]

This happened less than an hour ago:

I left HDS on my way into LZ at around 1:30 AM. I look around as I approach the crossroads and realize I need a warmer jacket, so I stop and take a step back to HDS.

A sub-compact Policia car, with two cops in the front rolls up to me and stops. The Policia riding shotgun rolls down his window & asks me something I don't hear well. So I slowly approach the Policia car and find out that the cop riding shotgun wanted to see my ID.

As I hand my ID to one of the policia, the other cop turns off the car's motor and steps out of the vehicle. I instantly go into each of my four pockets and pull out my neat small wads of cash and hold them in one hand. The cop riding shotgun's face turns from smile to frown (as he witnesses all my cash end up in one hand).

I believe the driving policia got out of his drivers seat with the intention of searching each of my pockets looking for drugs. But after seeing me marshal all my money into one hand, the two of them had a little chat in Spanish. Their roadside discussion concluded with my driver's license being handed back to me, with no search, and we wished each other happy new years.

[Captain Solo]

Once the thieves know they cannot steal from you, they will leave you alone.

[Squid1234]

I think they were being proactive or looking for someone. I was returning about the same time and there were police cars with lights on a lot of the streets. Going towards the arch where it splits like a V, the left side was closed off at the other end and there were officers with flash lights.

I did see shady characters including one with a face mask which no one but me seemed it was odd but I didn't see any problems and only heard fireworks.

[Jackie888]

In the alley across from the Cascadas back entrance, builders have finished construction of a hotel that actual looks like a hotel. Unfortunately, it is a hot bed for street drug dealers because they are able to quickly access a parking lot on the other side to evade the police. I would avoid this area as much as possible.

Crystal, Fernanda and their friends used to work here. They are now replaced by two bit drug peddlers. I was tempted to file complaints with the police. God damn drug dealers have moved some of the best girls out and ruined good clean fun with their filth.

[ScatManDoo]

In the alley across from the Cascadas back entrance, builders have finished construction of a hotel that actual looks like a hotel. Unfortunately, it is a hot bed for street drug dealers because they are able to quickly access a parking lot on the other side to evade the police. I would avoid this area as much as possible.

Crystal, Fernanda and their friends used to work here. They are now replaced by two bit drug peddlers. I was tempted to file complaints with the police. God damn drug dealers have moved some of the best girls out and ruined good clean fun with their filth.They might have put on a nice-looking front facade, but it is still the Hotel Eduardo.

Biggest difference is that you can walk out to the rear of the building for now, but it is not going to become a pedestrian access way in the future. They plan to have autos drive through that center of the building's ground level to access a few parking spaces immediately behind the hotel. But right now, and in the planned future of the building, you are NOT allowed to go through there on foot, or in a car, for the purpose of going through to 1st street (Primera) behind the hotel. It may be possible right now to quickly hoof it straight through to Primera, but I think hotel employees currently prohibit it.

It is still the same old cold-water-only Hotel Eduardo that was first built in 1969 (probably with hot water back then). Short-term rooms currently cost 40 pesos, overnight rooms (generally the upstairs rooms) are 200 pesos a night.

[SaltShaker]

If you are a night time street walker. If you are willing to take a chance? A good tool is handy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D62Vg_Qz2tY. I own one. It came in handy only one time. Remove the clip.

[The Tall Man]

If you are a night time street walker. If you are willing to take a chance? A good tool is handy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D62Vg_Qz2tY. I own one. It came in handy only one time. Remove the clip.Good idea. I wonder how the security guys at HK would react finding this on you during the pat down at the entry? Is it legal to carry in Mexico and into the clubs?

TTM.

[SaltShaker]

Can not remember the last time I was searched. Front or rear entrance. I have never stood in line. I have never purchased a drink when they are selling them at the front door. Being a weekly regular has its advantages.

Is it legal or not? Do not know. Batons are not legal in California. The tool I carry fully extended is 12". It is compact and would very easily pass an HK search. It is a solid offensive response for a close encounter of up to three (3) attackers. It extends quickly with a flick of the wrist. Anyway, its my standard carry in Tijuana when I am on the streets day or night for many years. When I am in my auto, it is stowed in my driver side door pouch under stuff. Yes, I am a SENTRI card holder. Yes, I live on the edge.

This tool is not for the faint of heart or the ISG blah blah blah mongers. Ha Ha Ha.


Good idea. I wonder how the security guys at HK would react finding this on you during the pat down at the entry? Is it legal to carry in Mexico and into the clubs?

TTM.

[SaltShaker]

Not expecting much change in the Zona. Post Crime Rating: Critical.

Will be in the Zona next week (as usual). Looking for the exchange rate to increase to 22 pesos / 1 USD. Looking for more desperate BG chicas.

https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=19235

Yes, I will have my tool with me when on the streets in Tijuana.

[Captain Solo]

When you are attacked or chokeholded by robberies, they would be grabbing, choking you body to body, hand to hand. A 3-foot long weapon may be difficult to deploy and be of any effect at all.

You would be much better off holding something small and sharp in your hand and stick it into any part of the robbers. A sharp pain will stop them from holding on and let you go.

[The Tall Man]

When you are attacked or chokeholded by robberies, they would be grabbing, choking you body to body, hand to hand. A 3-foot long weapon may be difficult to deploy and be of any effect at all.

You would be much better off holding something small and sharp in your hand and stick it into any part of the robbers. A sharp pain will stop them from holding on and let you go.Idea, instead of a hand held device how about a hidden knife that's concealed in your belt. I see these on web sites and they can easily be used and accessible.

TTM.

[The Tall Man]

You be the judge. Knife vs Baton?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfNtxoty8OwIts all about reach! Got it. But too when they come up behind you and put you in a chock hold whamm pull it out and make them leak.

TTM.

[Captain Solo]

In Mexico it's illegal to carry in the person a knife with blade longer than 4 " or 100 mm, not even a pocket knife.

From the US Consulate: Guns are Illegal in Mexico.

Quote:

Don't carry a knife, even a small pocketknife, on your person in Mexico.

If you carry a knife on your person in Mexico, even a pocketknife.

*You may be arrested and charged with possession of a deadly weapon.

*You may spend weeks in jail waiting for trial, and tens of thousands of dollars in attorney's fees, court costs, and fines.

*If convicted, you may be sentenced to up to five years in a Mexican prison.


Its all about reach! Got it. But too when they come up behind you and put you in a chock hold whamm pull it out and make them leak.

TTM.

[Jackie888]

I would leave all the Jason Borne bullshit at home and use common sense instead. In 16 years of coming to Tijuana for women in and out of clubs, for the food, for dental works, for vacation, I have never felt the need for a knife or baton. Walk where a lot of people walk. It really is as simple as that.

[Member #2041]

I would leave all the Jason Borne bullshit at home and use common sense instead. In 16 years of coming to Tijuana for women in and out of clubs, for the food, for dental works, for vacation, I have never felt the need for a knife or baton. Walk where a lot of people walk. It really is as simple as that.This. More than anything else, this.

[CoolBeanz]

Was walking from the pork taco stand back to Adelita and a teenager in a gray hoody ran next to me and tried to trip me (like a how people trip each other in soccer) and place his hand in my pants pockets, thank god nothing was in my jean pockets, he just looked back laughed and ran away. Knowing I didn't lose anything I didn't bother chasing him, but I am sure he does this a lot, the way he did it was pretty slick, I give him that. Watch out for this as I am sure he was practicing for bigger fish.

[Captain Solo]

Friday night I left HK about midnight, drove out of Pepe's parking onto the sexy streets of Tijuana. Colorful neon lights were flashing brightly. Gringos and girls were walking the streets. Late diners were eating con gusto at various taco stands lining Ninos Heroes.

I drove down Coahuila, F Martinez, then Benito Juarez, heading smoothly and quietly to the border, never any aggressive driving in Mexico. The streets were dark, quiet and empty, not too many cars and no policia patrol cars were seen anywhere. I thought I had a very smooth mission and was congratulating myself that my homobile must be well-known to Tijuana policia, thus they were avoiding confrontation.

When I got to O'Campo intersection where Benito Juarez splits into 3 divided lanes for San Diego, Colonia Federal and Via Rapida, there were a few policias on foot blocking the street. Their policia cars were dark, not flashing beacons like usual. They diverted 5 or 6 cars to the San Diego lane before stopping my car. A pair of an old male and a large female policias asked me a lot of questions in Spanish which I did not understand jack. I gave them the business card of Tijuana's Internal Affairs prosecutor (Asuntos Internos) Maricela Partida, but they were unimpressed. The guy was asking about alcohol and bebidas. I swallowed my breath and told him no alcohol. Finally I realized they smelled HK's beers in my breath and would not let me go, instead wanted to see my driver license and car registration.

The large female policia was checking the VIN number on the windshield with her flash light and looked satisfied. If you drive illegal or unregistered vehicles into Mexico, recently-enacted laws let them impound your vehicles on the spot. Policias love to check VIN number hehehe. After a lot more talking and gesturing, I realized they wanted me to step out of the car. Holly shit. I thought they were taking me to face Mexico's finest firing squad! Hehe.

But no. They took me to a large white truck parked in the dark next to the curb, inside sat a couple guys and a pretty nurse. The young guy gestured for me to blow into his hand-held breath analyzer. He waited a few seconds then showed me the read out, 0.026 % blood alcohol. I was free to go. Damn! I had only 3 beers in HK in the 3 hours before this international incident hehe. I would have to ingest 9 beers in 3 hours to approach California legal limit. If they had checked for pussy content, my breath may have registered 100% hehe.

Standing in the dark on the curb were about 12 women and children. They were looking at me, talking, smiling like it was fun. Their men had been arrested, sitting in a paddy wagon; their cars impounded. Their poor families would face hardship for sure, but this is Mexico, where people are not exactly as sharp and serious as Nortenos.

I suspect policias were smelling my breath, reeking of beer, and decided to stop me but let others go. The other cars also carried California plates. I don't think they specifically targeted gringos. I have seen this alcohol check point a few times in the past. So if you had a lot of alcohol just don't drive. Sleep over or take a taxi to the border. Don't drive cars into Mexico without proper registration. They will be impounded.

[Hargow20]

Was down in Tijuana last week and I noticed that there has been more cops walking around. I saw some more cops on Constitucion finally. Things are getting a bit better, but would still use due caution as the prior report has indicated.

[Hargow20]

This one teenage tried to rob me near the taco stand in mid December. What time did this happen. ?


Was walking from the pork taco stand back to Adelita and a teenager in a gray hoody ran next to me and tried to trip me (like a how people trip each other in soccer) and place his hand in my pants pockets, thank god nothing was in my jean pockets, he just looked back laughed and ran away. Knowing I didn't lose anything I didn't bother chasing him, but I am sure he does this a lot, the way he did it was pretty slick, I give him that. Watch out for this as I am sure he was practicing for bigger fish.

[Captain Solo]

Latin countries' legal systems are based on Napoleonic laws, in which the accused are assumed guilty until they can prove themselves, or the judge find them, innocent.

I have seen a few incidents when Tijuana policias showed up, questioned the parties briefly, quickly cuffed and taken the accused to jail to wait for adjudication by the judge, and let the accusers go free. The investigations were quick verbal exchanges, without any written records.

If accused of anything, the bros should first bring the matter to the owners or managers of the business. Most likely the business can resolve the problems quickly without engaging policias or the laws.

[Hargow20]

Any idea what the typical waiting time to see a judge in Tijuana. ?


Latin countries' legal systems are based on Napoleonic laws, in which the accused are assumed guilty until they can prove themselves, or the judge find them, innocent.

I have seen a few incidents when Tijuana policias showed up, questioned the parties briefly, quickly cuffed and taken the accused to jail to wait for adjudication by the judge, and let the accusers go free. The investigations were quick verbal exchanges, without any written records.

If accused of anything, the bros should first bring the matter to the owners or managers of the business. Most likely the business can resolve the problems quickly without engaging policias or the laws.

[Captain Solo]

The bro had to wait over the weekend until the judge came back on Monday, then get on line waiting for his turn.

Judges are busy sniffing pussies on weekends just like anyone of us.


Any idea what the typical waiting time to see a judge in Tijuana. ?

[ScatManDoo]

Any idea what the typical waiting time to see a judge in Tijuana. ?I've never been taken into custody by Tijuana Policia, nor have I ever seen a Tijuana judge. But I have monger friends that have.

To cure up possible misinformation, Tijuana judges are available on practically a 24-hour basis. But how soon you are processed & taken in front of the judge can vary a great deal, starting with the discretion of the arresting officer. If the "arresting" officer believes he can eventually shakedown some dinero from the tourist, he might work on that for over an hour if nothing else is pressing.

Most of my monger buddies, if their dealing with a Tijuana Policia gets to the point of being taken into custody by the Policia on trumped-up or bogus charges, have the balls to refuse giving the Tijuana ratero cops any bribe to 'settle it here'. Most of my experienced monger buddies would instead politely continue to tell the Tijuana cop that they want to see the judge. A few rounds of them holding their ground, and requesting to see a judge, typically gets them sent on their way (I. E, no jail, no judge). That's the most common result when bogus shit is being thrown around by the Tijuana Policia towards knowledgeable tourists.

Tijuana policia have a habit of threatening sucker tourists with threats of taking them to jail or to see a judge, with the tourist's expectation that if they are taken into custody on a Friday night that they will remain stewing in custody until Monday. Tijuana Policia exploit that false expectation as they grind the tourist to 'settle the (matter here' with a sizeable bribe.

[Captain Solo]

Friday night LST WEEK I was driving North on I5 at about midnight, after a full night fucking 2 sweet girls plus drinking and partying in HK.

The night was dry and cool with not much freeway traffic. I was doing a good clip of speed as usual. After passing the dark stretch across Camp Pendleton and slowing down for ICE check point, I picked up speed into San Clemente. There was a car in the fast lane going about 75 but it did not let me pass. So I went quickly into the car pool lane to pass, then I found out why he was slow: there was a CHP SUV in front of him to his right in the next lane. So I slowed down and went behind the slowpoke. Just then another huge CHP SUV caught up and tail gated me. He followed me for about 30 seconds, waiting for me to make mistakes, but I was cool hehe. So he finally peeled off and accelerated to high speed, perhaps over 100 MPH.

Damn. That was very close. 2 pig wagons on the same stretch of freeway at the same time, no less. If I had stayed in the car pool lane 30 seconds longer I would have been busted. This failure to bust conclusively proves El Capitan as one of the most considerate, safety conscious and law abiding driver on California freeways.

Just a note, normal speeding bail in San Diego is $375, traffic school $425; exceeding 20 MPH over the speed limit may cost more. Shit.

[Member #2041]

What does a speed trap by San Clemente have to do with crime, safety, and cops in Tijuana?

[Baxter Slade]

What does a speed trap by San Clemente have to do with crime, safety, and cops in Tijuana?Welcome to the world of El Capitan.

[Member #4450]

P[Message to Admin deleted]

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was edited to remove a message directed to the Forum Admin.

The open Forum is not the appropriate venue to contact the Forum Administration regarding individual questions, complaints or comments about the administration of the Forum. Instead, please use the Contact Us link at the bottom of this page to send me an email voicing your complaints about the administration of the Forum, and I will respond as quickly as possible. Thanks!

[Captain Solo]

The bros have to get pass many tough cops in California before they have to deal with a few soft policias in la Zona.


What does a speed trap by San Clemente have to do with crime, safety, and cops in Tijuana?

[Member #4450]

[Message to Admin deleted]

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was edited to remove a message directed to the Forum Admin.

The open Forum is not the appropriate venue to contact the Forum Administration regarding individual questions, complaints or comments about the administration of the Forum. Instead, please use the Contact Us link at the bottom of this page to send me an email voicing your complaints about the administration of the Forum, and I will respond as quickly as possible. Thanks!

[DduFail]

Was visiting the zona this evening, and there was a body (covered with a white sheet) outside the alley entrance of Hong Kong. 7:30 PM or so.

Police had taped the area off.

Not sure about what happened.

Left the zona around 8:30 PM or so.

[EBoardbuilder]

Be on the watch out for a kid maybe 8-10 years old 4 foot 8 ish male wearing darker clothes near pedeast he is an excellent pickpocket, lucky I knew he was going to try something so I caught him lucky, I didn't break his wrist when I caught him trying to pick it. Probably won't help since there are a ton of kids in that area just keep an eye on your phone keys wallet.

[Member #4450]

Be on the watch out for a kid maybe 8-10 years old 4 foot 8 ish male wearing darker clothes near pedeast he is an excellent pickpocket, lucky I knew he was going to try something so I caught him lucky, I didn't break his wrist when I caught him trying to pick it. Probably won't help since there are a ton of kids in that area just keep an eye on your phone keys wallet.Thanks for the warning I use pedeast all the time what time this happen day or night? Was he alone or behind you was he one of those kids selling chewing gum?

[Member #4450]

Was visiting the zona this evening, and there was a body (covered with a white sheet) outside the alley entrance of Hong Kong. 7:30 PM or so.

Police had taped the area off.

Not sure about what happened.

Left the zona around 8:30 PM or so.WTF another old dude playing superhero with a Viagra cocktail and a three way!

[EBoardbuilder]

Thanks for the warning I use pedeast all the time what time this happen day or night? Was he alone or behind you was he one of those kids selling chewing gum?The incident occurred two Saturdays ago it probably was around 8:30 pm. I don't know if he was with the group of kids selling chewing gum but he definitely knew a few of the kids around the area just off of his body language. But I did not see him talking to any of the other children before trying to pick me. If I see him again I'll try to get a better description of him possibly take a picture if I can do it inconspicuously. Good luck stay safe.

[Rabo Verde]

There are lots of drug sales, mostly meth, going on in the alley and on Constitucion, the guys say cuantos, cuantos, cuantos meaning how many bindles do you want?

I was talking to Yolanda the old lady with the walker on Constitucion, and Coahuila, across the street from the alley, and several guys asked me Cuantos? I just ignored them. Then I was stopped and searched by 2 cops. They asked what I was doing and why was I hanging out by the drug dealers? They were polite and not menacing, kept asking me drugs drugs drugs?, and I said no, beer beer beer! I was friendly and cooperative, and smiled and asked them how their night was going, showed no fear. They searched me, found nothing and sent me on my way, later saw them search another gringo who also had nothing.

Another friend got searched recently and they found his bottle of Viagra LOL they asked where is your prescription, and he told them in Spanish, I saw the doctor this morning in the Zona Rio, he gave me a prescription, I went next door to the farmacia, and the farmacia kept my prescription and gave me the pills. This stumped them, because that is the way it really works, when you fill a prescription, you no longer have the prescription, right? Some farmacias DO have a doctor next door who will write you a prescription for 100 or 200 pesos, but nobody ever bothers. The cops said all right but next time keep a copy of prescription.

Some cops will tell you there is a $200 fine for having Viagra or other farmacia drugs without a prescription, such as Viagra or antibiotics, they will dangle their handcuffs and put their hands on their guns like they are going to arrest you, but I have never heard of them actually arresting a Gringo for non-narcotic drugs who refused politely to pay. They know that some Gringos are just terrified of Tijuana cops and will pay up, but it is 99% bluff, as far as I know.

To put this in perspective, in 500+ visits to Tijuana, I have been searched while walking 3 times with no problems. I stopped driving in, after getting stopped too many times during the drug wars of 2007-2008, once stopped 3 times in one night! A few times I resolved this with 200 pesos, as necessary, just to avoid a lot of wasted time. They really do have the right to ticket you and / or tow away your car for tinted windows or speeding, etc. It just wasn't worth it to me to buy the Mexican car insurance and deal with potential accidents and greedy cops, etc. To save a few bucks on taxis.

If you just take a taxi to and from the clubs, and stay in the block with the clubs and the alley, and mind your own business, your chances of having any problems with anybody are near zero. Just ignore people who come up to talk with you in the street and keep walking. Never carry any kind of knife, even a penknife, teargas, or any other obvious weapon, as there are very strict laws about this. The clubs and businesses pay the cops big money to keep the one block area safe and to not pick on Gringo customers, but the surrounding area, including Constitucion north of the Chicago Club, Coahuila east of Constitucion, are pretty dodgy, especially at night, so don't go wandering around.

There have been several drug shootings this year in the Zona, in the HK, in the alley, and a drug seller was killed on Schoolgirl Corner, Constitucion and Coahuila, in January, so the cops are cracking down on street people. You can see the cops throwing potential bad guys in the back of the police truck and they also have a paddy wagon van, they often arrest 100 people a night in the Zona on busy nights, almost never Gringos. They are protecting us from some bad hombres. Don't go stumbling around drunk, get in fights, use or buy drugs on the street, or hang out with street people, and you will probably never have any problems.

For security, I just wear a pair of gym shorts under my pants. Valuables are in the gym shorts pocket underneath my pants, except for a little play money and a Xerox copy of my passport. If I need to get to my main money, I have to open my pants, LOL, but nobody is going to pickpocket me unless I take my pants off first, LOL. Also, if frisked, they can't feel much in my hidden pockets under 2 layers of fabric.

Another security tip, take a picture of your passport and other docs with your phone and email yourself a copy, if you lose everything you can go to an internet place and print out a copy, the border guys can look you up from your passport number if you show them a picture or copy of your passport face page.

Other excellent safety advice here from One Wing Low, Captain Solo, Saltshaker, Scatmandoo, and other Senior Members. But to summarize, follow the rules you read here and risk is near zero. People ask me if I am afraid going into Tijuana and I say no, I am afraid when I come back and have to drive past the CHP on the way home. Follow a few simple safety rules and have a good time!

[Member #4450]

There are lots of drug sales, mostly meth, going on in the alley and on Constitucion, the guys say cuantos, cuantos, cuantos meaning how many bindles do you want?

I was talking to Yolanda the old lady with the walker on Constitucion, and Coahuila, across the street from the alley, and several guys asked me Cuantos? I just ignored them. Then I was stopped and searched by 2 cops. They asked what I was doing and why was I hanging out by the drug dealers? They were polite and not menacing, kept asking me drugs drugs drugs?, and I said no, beer beer beer! I was friendly and cooperative, and smiled and asked them how their night was going, showed no fear. They searched me, found nothing and sent me on my way, later saw them search another gringo who also had nothing.

Another friend got searched recently and they found his bottle of Viagra LOL they asked where is your prescription, and he told them in Spanish, I saw the doctor this morning in the Zona Rio, he gave me a prescription, I went next door to the farmacia, and the farmacia kept my prescription and gave me the pills. This stumped them, because that is the way it really works, when you fill a prescription, you no longer have the prescription, right? Some farmacias DO have a doctor next door who will write you a prescription for 100 or 200 pesos, but nobody ever bothers. The cops said all right but next time keep a copy of prescription.

Some cops will tell you there is a $200 fine for having Viagra or other farmacia drugs without a prescription, such as Viagra or antibiotics, they will dangle their handcuffs and put their hands on their guns like they are going to arrest you, but I have never heard of them actually arresting a Gringo for non-narcotic drugs who refused politely to pay. They know that some Gringos are just terrified of Tijuana cops and will pay up, but it is 99% bluff, as far as I know.

To put this in perspective, in 500+ visits to Tijuana, I have been searched while walking 3 times with no problems. I stopped driving in, after getting stopped too many times during the drug wars of 2007-2008, once stopped 3 times in one night! A few times I resolved this with 200 pesos, as necessary, just to avoid a lot of wasted time. They really do have the right to ticket you and / or tow away your car for tinted windows or speeding, etc. It just wasn't worth it to me to buy the Mexican car insurance and deal with potential accidents and greedy cops, etc. To save a few bucks on taxis.

If you just take a taxi to and from the clubs, and stay in the block with the clubs and the alley, and mind your own business, your chances of having any problems with anybody are near zero. Just ignore people who come up to talk with you in the street and keep walking. Never carry any kind of knife, even a penknife, teargas, or any other obvious weapon, as there are very strict laws about this. The clubs and businesses pay the cops big money to keep the one block area safe and to not pick on Gringo customers, but the surrounding area, including Constitucion north of the Chicago Club, Coahuila east of Constitucion, are pretty dodgy, especially at night, so don't go wandering around.

There have been several drug shootings this year in the Zona, in the HK, in the alley, and a drug seller was killed on Schoolgirl Corner, Constitucion and Coahuila, in January, so the cops are cracking down on street people. You can see the cops throwing potential bad guys in the back of the police truck and they also have a paddy wagon van, they often arrest 100 people a night in the Zona on busy nights, almost never Gringos. They are protecting us from some bad hombres. Don't go stumbling around drunk, get in fights, use or buy drugs on the street, or hang out with street people, and you will probably never have any problems.

For security, I just wear a pair of gym shorts under my pants. Valuables are in the gym shorts pocket underneath my pants, except for a little play money and a Xerox copy of my passport. If I need to get to my main money, I have to open my pants, LOL, but nobody is going to pickpocket me unless I take my pants off first, LOL. Also, if frisked, they can't feel much in my hidden pockets under 2 layers of fabric.

Another security tip, take a picture of your passport and other docs with your phone and email yourself a copy, if you lose everything you can go to an internet place and print out a copy, the border guys can look you up from your passport number if you show them a picture or copy of your passport face page.

Other excellent safety advice here from One Wing Low, Captain Solo, Saltshaker, Scatmandoo, and other Senior Members. But to summarize, follow the rules you read here and risk is near zero. People ask me if I am afraid going into Tijuana and I say no, I am afraid when I come back and have to drive past the CHP on the way home. Follow a few simple safety rules and have a good time!Great advice Rabo. I agree with everything you said, I haven't seen you around here in a long time.

Anyway Just to add something to your advice you don't have to worry about not having your passport, you just tell the CBP you lost you passport and by telling him that you are a US citizen they will just ask you a few question and let you go. See by federal law is a felony claming that you are a US citizen if you are not.

Best thing to do is take your driver license with you in a different pocket, I'm very good remembering numbers I do know my driver license and my social security they can look you up with your numbers and they can determine if you are the person you're saying you are.

By the way let me give you my advice don't talk to that woman Yolanda that Hobo has bad reputation and she is a thieve, also don't talk to strangers or beggars on the street cops are looking at you talking to the wrong crowd, just keep on walking and never stop and don't say anything only talk to the alley girls don't talk to any guy outside, I only talk to guys when I'm in the bar but never out on the streets or alley.

The Frontera info is a good site for up to date info and crime in Tijuana, lets not forget soon Tijuana will receive many criminals when the deportation gets in efect From CA prisons. I just wish Tijuana oficials are prepared to remove these scams out of Tijuana, for sure it will damage Tijuana tourism.

[Captain Solo]

Friday night I reached the San Ysidro border crossing at about 8 PM. CBP had a patrol car flashing its beacon on the you turn around lane, with a guy in black toting a M-4 carbine at the turn.

Driving further into the camera lanes under the white rubber canopy, each lane had 2 CBPs guys with M4 carbines, total about a dozen guys, peering into each car. They were waiting with serious fire power for some bad asses on the run into Mexico.

On the way back after midnight on SENTRI lanes, a guy, in short and T shirt, was pulled out of the car, hand cuffed and walked to the admin building. My CBP guy did not know what happened with that guy. I have seen a few times in the pedestrian lines, guys were rushed, tackled on the floor, handcuffed and taken away due to outstanding warrants.

Starting in March 2017, people owing more than $50 K back tax to the IRS will have their passports revoked.

So if you have any outstanding issues with the Federal, state or local law enforcement, it's prudent to avoid crossing borders. It may be safer to use the cartels' giant sling shots that can sling a 200-lbs load 1 mile over the Donald's new wall. Hehe.

[Captain Solo]

El Rabo is probably in LA Zona a couple times every week and has a lot of dick on the ground intelligence, but he has not posted anything for years.

El Rabo survived in La Zona for over 4 decades, so he knows what he's talking about. His advice is spot on and no nonsense. The dealers are usually zombies near Cascada's back door and in front of Caliente, mumbling non stop "Cuanto, cuanto. " Just stay away from them to avoid raising policias's interests. You will be fine.

I was sitting at the mariscos cart at the school girl corner, chomping down a shrimp coctel. A policia pick up truck, carrying half dozen arrests, stopped on Constitucion, blocking traffic. One beefy guy strode into the sleazy hotel, where you store your goodies, apparently searching for some bad guys. He came out empty handed. His partner was checking a couple guys on the street for papers and let them go. I was sitting right next to the action and they never even looked at me.

The mariscos guy spoke good English, saying policias know all the bad guys and only go after them. They are under strict orders to protect and not to hassle tourists.

I have been driving into La Zona for the past 5 years. Got stopped 2, but claiming to be an abogado, and producing a business card from Internal Affairs' head prosecutor, I got lots of respect from the dumb patrol policias who hide their name tags. The drive is only 10 minutes from the border to HK's parking, without walking and sweating. On the way back at midnight or 7, 8 AM in the morning, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes max to cross in SENTRI lane. I can save so much time, energy, money and feel much safer in my car than walking, I will never walk to La Zona again.

You should go with me some nights, when you are not too busy molesting Yolanda. Hehe.


There are lots of drug sales, mostly meth, going on in the alley and on Constitucion, the guys say cuantos, cuantos, cuantos meaning how many bindles do you want?

I was talking to Yolanda the old lady with the walker on Constitucion, and Coahuila, across the street from the alley, and several guys asked me Cuantos? I just ignored them. Then I was stopped and searched by 2 cops. They asked what I was doing and why was I hanging out by the drug dealers? They were polite and not menacing, kept asking me drugs drugs drugs?, and I said no, beer beer beer! I was friendly and cooperative, and smiled and asked them how their night was going, showed no fear. They searched me, found nothing and sent me on my way, later saw them search another gringo who also had nothing....

[Hargow20]

Things seem relatively safe with the recent crackdowns in the Zona. The cops seem to be arresting most of ratero's. Or they have been getting killed. Hopefully this is a result of the new police chief. It is still a good idea keep our guads up. These day I constantly check to see who walking behind me.

[Member #4450]

Things seem relatively safe with the recent crackdowns in the Zona. The cops seem to be arresting most of ratero's. Or they have been getting killed. Hopefully this is a result of the new police chief. It is still a good idea keep our guads up. These day I constantly check to see who walking behind me.I mean after what happened to you, you might want to edit your comment.

[Hargow20]

I have noticed recently there is guys constantly say "cuantos" especially on Constitucion.


El Rabo is probably in LA Zona a couple times every week and has a lot of dick on the ground intelligence, but he has not posted anything for years.

El Rabo survived in La Zona for over 4 decades, so he knows what he's talking about. His advice is spot on and no nonsense. The dealers are usually zombies near Cascada's back door and in front of Caliente, mumbling non stop "Cuanto, cuanto. " Just stay away from them to avoid raising policias's interests. You will be fine.

I was sitting at the mariscos cart at the school girl corner, chomping down a shrimp coctel. A policia pick up truck, carrying half dozen arrests, stopped on Constitucion, blocking traffic. One beefy guy strode into the sleazy hotel, where you store your goodies, apparently searching for some bad guys. He came out empty handed. His partner was checking a couple guys on the street for papers and let them go. I was sitting right next to the action and they never even looked at me.

The mariscos guy spoke good English, saying policias know all the bad guys and only go after them. They are under strict orders to protect and not to hassle tourists.

I have been driving into La Zona for the past 5 years. Got stopped 2, but claiming to be an abogado, and producing a business card from Internal Affairs' head prosecutor, I got lots of respect from the dumb patrol policias who hide their name tags. The drive is only 10 minutes from the border to HK's parking, without walking and sweating. On the way back at midnight or 7, 8 AM in the morning, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes max to cross in SENTRI lane. I can save so much time, energy, money and feel much safer in my car than walking, I will never walk to La Zona again.

You should go with me some nights, when you are not too busy molesting Yolanda. Hehe.

[Hargow20]

My impression is that the crime situation is always in state of flux in the Zona. This is why it's important to always keep your guard up. The whistle is a good tip. I have and will carry it with me from now on.


I mean after what happened to you, you might want to edit your comment.

[Captain Solo]

Does it fluctuate between safe and unsafe? How many times a night?

The probability is very high for the bros to get robbed in day time, and much higher at night, away from the Coahuila bar block, as they walk East along Calle Coahuila or Calle 1 towards Farnmacia Piri, the Wax Museum, the Freedom Path, the pedestrian bridge over the Tijuana river, the dark and deserted plaza then Ped West.

I have seen cholos on that bridge looking for troubles a few times, even in the day time, and warned the bros before. There are no escapes on that bridge. If you jump, or get pushed down, 30 ft onto the hard-concrete river bed, you will die for sure. I am afraid of that short height when I have no control of my flight path.

The bros should avoid walking outside of the bar block at night, and don't walk into or near any empty alleys in the day time. But if you take a taxi to Pedwest, they would drop you off at the McDonalds. You still have to walk 1/4 mile into the dark plaza before reaching the entry to Pedwest.

It may be safer to go back through Ped East. Get off the taxi near the entry to the bus lane across from Caliente, then walk among the cars in the bus, SENTRI or ready lanes toward the giant ad TV and merge into the Pedeast line. I don't see any policia there late at night, but there are always hundreds cars waiting in line, and drivers are unlikely to rob someone, at least until they figure out the pattern of mongers walking back in car lanes. Hehe.


My impression is that the crime situation is always in state of flux in the Zona. This is why it's important to always keep your guard up. The whistle is a good tip. I have and will carry it with me from now on.

[Member #4450]

My impression is that the crime situation is always in state of flux in the Zona. This is why it's important to always keep your guard up. The whistle is a good tip. I have and will carry it with me from now on.Yes the whistle works even on bears a 45 is louder but not for Tijuana travel LOL!

[Hargow20]

Have you tried using the whistle in Tijuana. I can see where it would be effective where there is other people in the general area. Perhaps a air horn would be better.


Yes the whistle works even on bears a 45 is louder but not for Tijuana travel LOL!

[Member #4450]

Have you tried using the whistle in Tijuana. I can see where it would be effective where there is other people in the general area. Perhaps a air horn would be better.No I haven't use it I would take a whistler not an air horn because the whistle sound is more related to a distress or help. The horn is bulky and you need A can with compresed air and it's used for boating or car, women usually carry whistle and pepper spray and rateros don't like the attention but you need to use the whistle when you see trouble coming and do both blow the whistle and shout loud Policia. People and cops know a permanent loud whistle blow means help and it can be heard over a 1/4 mile or more at night.

I try to avoid dangerous situations but if I see a guy looking suspicious I look straight at him like don't fuck with me pick someone else. Size helps too I'm over 6 feet topping 260 lbs large solid frame he will think it twice, I can punch hard and crack a jaw very easy or turn his neck sideways I have big beefy arms if You have to defend yourself a rock a pipe or slamming the guy's head against the concrete bridge works too If you show fear is not good. Fastest way to put a bad guy down kick the balls punch him with your open hand right on the ear that's where your balance is located he will go down very dizzy.

Last run forest run!

[Captain Solo]

If you fight the cholos, they may slash you in a few places.

If you beat someone up and cause injuries, the cops will have to take you to see the judge. It's not fun to spend the weekend in Tijuana jail sleeping on the concrete floor with Alberto the Greek. Hehe.

Try to avoid any physical confrontation with these cholos. Your life is worth a lot more than $20, or a weekend in the Tijuana Hilton with Alberto. Did you watch that movie "Losing it" with Tom Cruise. Hilarious.



I try to avoid dangerous situations but if I see a guy looking suspicious I look straight at him like don't fuck with me pick someone else. Size helps too I'm over 6 feet topping 260 lbs large solid frame he will think it twice, I can punch hard and crack a jaw very easy or turn his neck sideways I have big beefy arms if You have to defend yourself a rock a pipe or slamming the guy's head against the concrete bridge works too If you show fear is not good. Fastest way to put a bad guy down kick the balls punch him with your open hand right on the ear that's where your balance is located he will go down very dizzy!

[Member #4450]

If you fight the cholos, they may slash you in a few places.

If you beat someone up and cause injuries, the cops will have to take you to see the judge. It's not fun to spend the weekend in Tijuana jail sleeping on the concrete floor with Alberto the Greek. Hehe.

Try to avoid any physical confrontation with these cholos. Your life is worth a lot more than $20, or a weekend in the Tijuana Hilton with Alberto. Did you watch that movie "Losing it" with Tom Cruise. Hilarious.Captain please stop telling other mongers to give up and not defend yourself, yes toss the wallet first but if the guy gets On your face you better be ready for battle. You see sometimes there are not many choices fight or flight or just fight. Don't get me wrong I never said go around and get into fights but prepare to fight if it's your last hope. You can worry about the fucking cop or judge later your life is more important.

I have a sign in my house "Never mind the Dog Beware of Armed Owner".

[Member #4450]

If you beat someone up and cause injuries, the cops will have to take you to see the judge. It's not fun to spend the weekend in Tijuana jail sleeping on the concrete floor with Alberto the Greek. Hehe.If you beat up a known criminal the Tijuana cops will give you a trophy and free passes to screw any bar girl you like for you good work helping them in taking the trash out!

[Captain Solo]

You should make sure the bros know you are joking.

If you fight and cause injuries, policia will hold you in custody and investigate the incidence until the judge can review the case and decide if you are guilty or not.

You should try quickly to find a local lawyer experienced with criminal laws and procedures, who can speak English. Hopefully he can prove that you were acting in self defense.

This is not a good situation to be in.


If you beat up a known criminal the Tijuana cops will give you a trophy and free passes to screw any bar girl you like for you good work helping them in taking the trash out!

[Member #4450]

You should make sure the bros know you are joking.

If you fight and cause injuries, policia will hold you in custody and investigate the incidence until the judge can review the case and decide if you are guilty or not.

You should try quickly to find a local lawyer experienced with criminal laws and procedures, who can speak English. Hopefully he can prove that you were acting in self defense.

This is not a good situation to be in.I rather look for a lawyer than preparing in your case for a funeral!

If you are scare of Tijuana cops you should stop going to Tijuana and start driving Harbor blvd track in Santa Ana either way if you get arrested for solicitation is going to cost you 10 times more for a lawyer than a lawyer in Tijuana and you be registered as a sex offender.

Don't you think is better to be alive than worry about a Tijuana judge or Cops? Hey what a wonderful idea of yours don't fight for you life let the guy kick the shit out of you or slash you everywhere but don't you dare try to punch him because you will get arrested what are you a psychologist, maybe you should go back to posting jokes about fat girls and homo shows.

[Travv]

Former Navy SEAL Clint Emerson, author of 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative's Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation, explains what to do if someone tries to mug you and how you can defend yourself if you need to. Following is a transcript of the video.

You always want to keep your eyes on their hands. What their hands are doing, where they're going, if they're telegraphing, if they're communicating that they have something else, whether it be a gun or a knife. If you have something sentimental, give it up. It's not worth holding on to or risking your life.

If he's going for a weapon and you can confirm that you should always follow the mantra: run, hide, fight. Run, increase distance from the threat will increase survivability every time. Move away rapidly, if you can't than fight. The most important thing if you find yourself face-to-face. An adversary with a weapon is gaining control of the weapon. As long as that weapon is free you are in danger. So, gain control of the weapon. You try to trap it, you try to strip it, and then immediately start beating the guy with it.

If you're not comfortable trying to trap and strip a weapon from someone than you want to kind of adapt to your environment, improvise. Maybe you have some things on you that you can then in return use as a weapon, you know. I talk a lot about steel barrel pens and using those as a weapon. Your messenger bag, a purse, whatever you're carrying can be a weapon. Anything to create enough pain so that you can create distance and get away. Yahoo review of his book.

Remember, the Roman Army was made up of short little guys about 5 feet tall who were very good with a knives. They killed hundreds of thousands with nothing more than long knives and spears. If you see a guy with a knife, remember the short little Romans with their knives. Per the Navy Seal Clint Emerson, Run, Hide and as a last resort, Fight. Plan on getting cut badly if you fight against a knife.

[Captain Solo]

Thanks to Travv to post this article. Damn good advise. Kudos to Clint Emerson. The bros should seriously consider the advice from SEAL guys who are trained and are experienced in lethal hand to hand combat to infiltrate and fight in hostile territories.

That was what I suggested to the bros: increase your distance from the perps and run away from them as fast as you can. Most likely they are too lazy to pursue and just let you go, saving their energy for the next easy victims.

If they pursue and corner you, then you would be in a better location and better position with more options to deal with them. You still have the option to give up what they want, or stand your ground and fight back with whatever weapons you can come up with.


Former Navy SEAL Clint Emerson, author of 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative's Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation, explains what to do if someone tries to mug you and how you can defend yourself if you need to.

If he's going for a weapon and you can confirm that you should always follow the mantra: run, hide, fight. Run, increase distance from the threat will increase survivability every time. Move away rapidly, if you can't than fight. The most important thing if you find yourself face-to-face. An adversary with a weapon is gaining control of the weapon. As long as that weapon is free you are in danger. So, gain control of the weapon. You try to trap it, you try to strip it, and then immediately start beating the guy with it.

[Captain Solo]

Thanks to Rabo Perve to send me the link.

I left La Zona at about noon Saturday. F Martinez between Baja California, Coahuila and Calle 1 hosts a swap meet on weekends, car traffic is blocked off.

There were half dozen policia and army trucks roaming the area with 2 white unmarked vans carrying new teams of Criminal Investigators, men and women, carrying automatic weapons, wearing sage camouflage uniform, in the area. Half dozen armed investigators stopped and surrounded a guy in his red pick up truck in front of HK, checked his ID but let him go quickly within 1 minute.

The 5 dead bodies and the wounded guy were murdered in a boarding house in the middle of a crowded swap meet. That's why policias drive around arresting shady suspects around La Zona day and night before they can commit crimes.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/sd-me-tijuana-dead-20170312-story.html

Five dead in Tijuana's Zona Norte linked to drug trade. Sandra Dibble.

Five homicide victims whose bodies were found in a rooming house near the USA Border in Tijuana's Zona Norte were members of a neighborhood drug gang, police said Sunday.

The victims, who were not identified, had criminal records including "deprivation of liberty" and fighting, according a statement by Tijuana Municipal Police.

Officers arrived at the scene at about 2 pm Saturday after receiving a report of a man with gunshot wounds lying outside the rooming house, located on Avenida Miguel F. Martínez between Coahuila and Baja California streets. They found five more victims inside the rooming house, who were declared dead at the scene by paramedics from the Red Cross.

The police statement said that that the department had learned that "the five dead individuals as well as the injured man belong to a group of neighborhood drug dealers that operate in the Zona Norte. ".

Tijuana registered a record 916 homicides last year, which officials attribute in large measure to in-fighting among gangs focused on the local drug trade. The killings have been continuing this year, with more than 200 homicide in January and February alone.

[Hargow20]

When I was in Tijuana last week there was a soldier by Cohuilla st and Constitucion. I was glad to see this. There needs to be more police foot patrols in that area.


Thanks to Rabo Perve to send me the link.

I left La Zona at about noon Saturday. F Martinez between Baja California, Coahuila and Calle 1 hosts a swap meet on weekends, car traffic is blocked off.

There were half dozen policia and army trucks roaming the area with 2 white unmarked vans carrying new teams of Criminal Investigators, men and women, carrying automatic weapons, wearing sage camouflage uniform, in the area. Half dozen armed investigators stopped and surrounded a guy in his red pick up truck in front of HK, checked his ID but let him go quickly within 1 minute.

The 5 dead bodies and the wounded guy were murdered in a boarding house in the middle of a crowded swap meet. That's why policias drive around arresting shady suspects around La Zona day and night before they can commit crimes.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/sd-me-tijuana-dead-20170312-story.html

Five dead in Tijuana's Zona Norte linked to drug trade. Sandra Dibble.

Five homicide victims whose bodies were found in a rooming house near the USA Border in Tijuana's Zona Norte were members of a neighborhood drug gang, police said Sunday.

The victims, who were not identified, had criminal records including "deprivation of liberty" and fighting, according a statement by Tijuana Municipal Police.

Officers arrived at the scene at about 2 pm Saturday after receiving a report of a man with gunshot wounds lying outside the rooming house, located on Avenida Miguel F. Martnez between Coahuila and Baja California streets. They found five more victims inside the rooming house, who were declared dead at the scene by paramedics from the Red Cross.

The police statement said that that the department had learned that "the five dead individuals as well as the injured man belong to a group of neighborhood drug dealers that operate in the Zona Norte. ".

Tijuana registered a record 916 homicides last year, which officials attribute in large measure to in-fighting among gangs focused on the local drug trade. The killings have been continuing this year, with more than 200 homicide in January and February alone.

[Hargow20]

The Mexcan Consulate gave me this link to submit crime reports:

http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/SindicaturaNet/html/comun/mpg/index.aspx

[Captain Solo]

The massacre happened in the day time about 2 PM in a boarding house the middle of a very crowded swap meet on F Martinez. It was suspected that drug gangs were fighting to seize territories or traffic routes.

Just an hour before that, I was standing in front of bar Tropical watching a new policia organization, men and women, riding around in new unmarked white vans, carrying automatic weapons, wearing combat fatigues with large " criminal Investigators" badges on their backs like FBI and HSI, checking guys in front of HK. The men and women were flirting and kidding among themselves while checking IDs, so they were new in their jobs and probably thought it was a fun game.

Patrolling the area were Policias Municipal, policia Estatal, and Army but no Federals, in pick up trucks, and 1 ugly dark green armored vehicles, with machine gun and steel plates welded all around it, like in a war zone.

In contrast, I drove all over El Centro and Zona Este to find a car repair shop. There were virtually no policia anywhere. So La Zona Norte is really a war zone. For the near future, the bros should minimize walking around La Zona even during day time to stay out of possible cross fire.

Meanwhile a couple guys were doing brisk business selling drugs all night in front of hotel Cascada, mumbing "Cuanto, cuanto."


When I was in Tijuana last week there was a soldier by Cohuilla st and Constitucion. I was glad to see this. There needs to be more police foot patrols in that area.

[Hargow20]

Heading down to Tijuana so I was wondering if anyone has any new info on how active the Rateros have been. The last few times I have been to the Zona the Ratero's did not seem to be causing much problems.

[Captain Solo]

A few months a go I got pulled over by CHP and put through a sobriety test which I passed. They wrote me up for speeding at 84 MPH in 65 MPH zone.

The CHP guy showed up in court with his citation, notes and calibration. So my lawyer pleaded it down to speeding at 75 MPH. Cost me a reduced fine of $325 plus traffic school. Could be a lot worse.

So El Capitan will be flying at subsonic speed, ducking flaks and SAMs for a while.

[Member #4450]

A few months a go I got pulled over by CHP and put through a sobriety test which I passed. They wrote me up for speeding at 84 MPH in 65 MPH zone.

The CHP guy showed up in court with his citation, notes and calibration. So my lawyer pleaded it down to speeding at 75 MPH. Cost me a reduced fine of $325 plus traffic school. Could be a lot worse.

So El Capitan will be flying at subsonic speed, ducking flaks and SAMs for a while.84 MPH you are pushing your luck especially if you are driving at night. The money you saved on your ticket went that plus five times more to the lawyer Hehe!

[Jackie888]

Damn. That's 3 good HK lays, room, tips, and dinner. Must have been a bastard of a judge.

[Captain Solo]

If CHP wrote me up for 86 in 65 MPH, it would be reckless driving and could be much more expensive.

But they decided to give me a break and wrote me down to 84 MPH.

That's a small price to pay to party with angels in paradise. Hehe.

[Captain Solo]

Look at this 28 YO San Diego woman chasing down and running over a Navy guy on his bike.

There are a lot of rude, angry and ugly drivers fighting teeth and nails for every inch of the road in border traffic.

If you can out run them, the stupid assholes can be baited to blow up in anger. If not, just ignore the rude, stupid trash of the world.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-road-rage-20170415-story.html

[WombatEd2]

Look at this 28 YO San Diego woman chasing down and running over a Navy guy on his bike.

There are a lot of rude, angry and ugly drivers fighting teeth and nails for every inch of the road in border traffic.

If you can out run them, the stupid assholes can be baited to blow up in anger. If not, just ignore the rude, stupid trash of the world.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-road-rage-20170415-story.htmlOtay Mesa (and Tecate) are much less stressful crossings, if you're driving. The wait time is shorter, and all the assholes go to San Ysidro.

I've found that I actually save time making the drive to Otay Mesa. The queue is that much shorter.

[Hargow20]

When I down in Tijuana last week the police were really cracking down hard. LE was rounding up ratero's and other vagrants or troublemakers. I did not see those guys on Constitucion openly selling drugs. I also noticed that the police have had officers stationed on the corner of Consttutucion and Cohuiilla st.

[Captain Solo]

Hi Wombat,

I know you mean well and try to help the bros. But I must respectfully disagree with you about the Otay Mesa crossing.

The line into Mexico is very long at Otay Mesa, much longer than San Ysidro, for both cars and pedestrians. Also the drive to La Zona Norte is narrow, twisty, very dangerous, with the road perching over the deep valley with no guard rails and no light. One mistake and you will be tumbling hundred feet down the ravine.

The safety factor is way better in San Ysidro crossing. I would just ignore any offensive people and drive my car. Better than tumbling hundreds feet down the ravine. Last time it took me only 10 minutes to drive from the border to HK, and less than 9 minutes to cross back in the SENTRI lanes at 8 PM.

Let me know when you are in HK. Will buy you a drink.


Otay Mesa (and Tecate) are much less stressful crossings, if you're driving. The wait time is shorter, and all the assholes go to San Ysidro.

I've found that I actually save time making the drive to Otay Mesa. The queue is that much shorter.

[WombatEd2]

Hi Wombat,

I know you mean well and try to help the bros. But I must respectfully disagree with you about the Otay Mesa crossing.

The line into Mexico is very long at Otay Mesa, much longer than San Ysidro, for both cars and pedestrians. Also the drive to La Zona Norte is narrow, twisty, very dangerous, with the road perching over the deep valley with no guard rails and no light. One mistake and you will be tumbling hundred feet down the ravine.

The safety factor is way better in San Ysidro crossing. I would just ignore any offensive people and drive my car. Better than tumbling hundreds feet down the ravine. Last time it took me only 10 minutes to drive from the border to HK, and less than 9 minutes to cross back in the SENTRI lanes at 8 PM.

Let me know when you are in HK. Will buy you a drink.I'd like to meet you sometime, Captain. And I'm glad the SENTRI pass works well for you at SY.

Our disagreement apparently stems from the fact that I don't use a SENTRI pass. And I was only talking about crossing northbound. (I always use San Ysidro southbound. As long as I'm driving, there's never any delay.).

I queue up to cross northbound around 3:00 or 3:30 PM almost every Tuesday and Thursday. I also cross northbound around 5:00 or 6:00 about once a month on Saturdays.

Before I start northbound, I check my Bordify App, and the GaritaCentral website, and go with whatever they claim is quickest: Ready Lane or Regular Lane, Otay or San Ysidro.

And my result is that I usually save an average of 15-60 minutes by taking the Ready Lane at Otay. (I actually track this, using a spreadsheet. Perhaps my handle really should be "Nerd Ed".).

[Long Don Silva]

Can anyone advise on the northbound Otay ped crossing? I plan on coming back on foot into the states on a Sunday late morning / early afternoon. I know San Ysidro is horrendous at that time.

Thanks.

[Phordphan]

Can anyone advise on the northbound Otay ped crossing? I plan on coming back on foot into the states on a Sunday late morning / early afternoon. I know San Ysidro is horrendous at that time.

Thanks.It, too, is generally horrendous at that time. The line is technically shorter but there are fewer kiosks and fewer agents. So, you may not be better off. It's worth a shot, but don't be surprised if you don't save a lot of time.

[Hargow20]

The San Ysidro drivers seem about same as everywhere else. The only real problem was when traffic was backed up to the border. The traffic was back up all the way to the San Ysidro blvd exit. I was in the very left lane and was trying to get over. No one let me over so I could exit at the Camino De La Plaza exit. When I tried moving over drivers would cut me off to prevent me from changing lanes. I was finally forced to take the border turn around exit. There was a lot of dumb drivers that were passing on the fast lane shoulder. A CHP officer was there giving out 3 or 4 tickets.

South bay LE.

I rarely see cops pulling people over on the south bay freeway. I do see National City police giving tickets between National city and Chula Vista sometimes. The CHP likes to pull people over in Chula Vista as well.

[Captain Solo]

You may want to monitor this site:

http://www.bordertraffic.com/


Can anyone advise on the northbound Otay ped crossing? I plan on coming back on foot into the states on a Sunday late morning / early afternoon. I know San Ysidro is horrendous at that time.

Thanks.

[Hargow20]

Someone had mentioned a potential police shakedown on Cohuila st. Has anyone noticed a increase in shakedowns lately. ?

[Hargow20]

When I was in Tijuana last night there was the military were driving around in their humvees. About 5 or 6 of them were at the corner of Coahuilla st & Constitucion. It does seem a bit strange to have many of them around. I personally believe police should be using their manpower more effectively. In the evenings there is typically not any police on Calle Primera or the bridge. This seems ridiculous considering how many tourists travel on that street.

[Travv]

To paraphrase an old saying, only mad dogs and American tourists dare walk the bridge or Tijuana alleys / sidewalks at night! Learned my lesson about avoiding the sidewalks at night. Only walk in well lite streets off the sidewalks unless you want a couple rateros to jump out behind you from an alley or doorway and choke you out. Not fun! At least in the street you can keep a safe distance from alleys and doorways and spot muggers trying to get close to you. Spotted two ratero types a week ago near Pepe's trying to cross the street towards me and so was able to avoid them. Mexican policia know more than tourists so the policia avoid the danger zones to avoid being mugged by the deportees and gangbangers from the USA!


When I was in Tijuana last night there was the military were driving around in their humvees. About 5 or 6 of them were at the corner of Coahuilla st & Constitucion. It does seem a bit strange to have many of them around. I personally believe police should be using their manpower more effectively. In the evenings there is typically not any police on Calle Primera or the bridge. This seems ridiculous considering how many tourists travel on that street.

[Captain Solo]

The freedom trail past the wax museum, farmacia Piri, the Mercado de Artesania, the foot bridge across the Tijuana river to Ped West etc. Is dark and deserted after dark and should be avoided.

The choke-hold rateros do choke and rob people regularly, perhaps more frequently on Mexicans and we just don't hear about them. Outside of the safe zone in front of the bars on Coahuila and the alley, it's safer to walk on the streets away from the sidewalks.

Stay safe, so you can enjoy the chicas' companies for many years to come.


To paraphrase an old saying, only mad dogs and American tourists dare walk the bridge or Tijuana alleys / sidewalks at night! Learned my lesson about avoiding the sidewalks at night. Only walk in well lite streets off the sidewalks unless you want a couple rateros to jump out behind you from an alley or doorway and choke you out. Not fun! At least in the street you can keep a safe distance from alleys and doorways and spot muggers trying to get close to you. Spotted two ratero types a week ago near Pepe's trying to cross the street towards me and so was able to avoid them. Mexican policia know more than tourists so the policia avoid the danger zones to avoid being mugged by the deportees and gangbangers from the USA!

[Hargow20]

This is silly. The police have no fear of being attacked by the rateros. The police carry guns after all. My own belief is that the police are simply lazy.


To paraphrase an old saying, only mad dogs and American tourists dare walk the bridge or Tijuana alleys / sidewalks at night! Learned my lesson about avoiding the sidewalks at night. Only walk in well lite streets off the sidewalks unless you want a couple rateros to jump out behind you from an alley or doorway and choke you out. Not fun! At least in the street you can keep a safe distance from alleys and doorways and spot muggers trying to get close to you. Spotted two ratero types a week ago near Pepe's trying to cross the street towards me and so was able to avoid them. Mexican policia know more than tourists so the policia avoid the danger zones to avoid being mugged by the deportees and gangbangers from the USA!

[Baxter Slade]

My own belief is that the police are simply lazy.Yes they have even been known to work hand in hand with some rateros for a cut of the loot.

Tijuana Municipal police the true definition of corrupt.

[Captain Solo]

Tijuana municipal policia are very well armed.

The tall in black uniform with a crew cut on her big head, does foot patrol around the school girls corner. She carries a M4 carbine, a .357 magnum strapped to her right calf, and a large knife strapped to her left hip, radios and whatever weapons she can hide up her big crotch. She looks like the fiercest warrior heading to combat.

This would take the girls to Coahuila corner for search, and she would take her time and delight at groping, squeezing the young girls all over for evidence. One of the girls was embarrassed, blushing, giggling during the search. Guys should be careful around this. With her beefy arms and big hands with large fingers, she can squeeze and bust their balls quickly. Don't even think of asking her for a hand job hehe.


This is silly. The police have no fear of being attacked by the rateros. The police carry guns after all. My own belief is that the police are simply lazy.

[Hargow20]

Can anyone confirm this. ?


Yes they have even been known to work hand in hand with some rateros for a cut of the loot.

Tijuana Municipal police the true definition of corrupt.

[Jicks]

http://www.uniradioinforma.com/noticias/policiaca/475499/balean-a-un-hombre-en-bar-de-la-zona-norte-policia-detiene-al-agresor.html

[Travv]

In Venezuela, cops are hunted by gangbangers to get the cops motorbikes and guns. Perhaps the Mexican policia are more cautious than cops in Venezuela or American tourists?

"A gang member in Caracas, Venezuela shows off a pistol and bullet-proof jacket he says his associates took from the body of an assassinated policeman. Some 124 police have been murdered in Caracas, Venezuela this year — many of them for their service weapons. Jim Wyss Miami Herald.

At La Urbina police station in eastern Caracas, officers were getting ready to head into a sprawling, violent neighborhood called Petare. Gone are the days when police could patrol the area alone or with a partner. Now they head into the zone in packs of six or more.

Rafael Graterol, a commissioner at the station, said his officers have become economic and symbolic targets. Police from Miranda State, part of greater Caracas, Venezuela, frisk a motorist. The nation's police are increasingly being murdered for their service weapons." In countries with gun control, people take the guns they want from the cops. Since the guns are worth a lot of money.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article44290584.html#storylink=cp.


This is silly. The police have no fear of being attacked by the rateros. The police carry guns after all. My own belief is that the police are simply lazy.

[Baxter Slade]

Can anyone confirm this. ?I have told this story before. I have a friend who use to work in zona norte. One day he went in one of those tiendas close to school girl corner. He witnessed a ratero giving a share of the loot to a uniformed muni cop. While they were joking about a 2 for 1 . Apparently while the ratero was fleeing the first mugging he commited a 2nd mugging. This is so wrong, but as a local it is certainly a see nothing report nothing kind of situation.

Now for some first hand corruption. When I was robbed by the police after the 066 call a supervisor showed up and tried to sweep the situation under the rug, by offering me more money than what was stolen and calling the thieves back to the scene to give me hugs (yea hugs WTF) . So that should confirm that the supervisor has an interest in protecting the bandit police. Probably because the rumors are true that the captains get a cut on all that stolen money.

While I did go to Sinductura I never filed a formal complaint. Seeing how I spend a lot of time in the zona I did not want to be worried about the cop paying a ratero buddy to stick a knife in my back. My hope was Sindictura was run more like Internal Affairs where you could report the bad cop and they would keep an eye on him and set him up. But it does not work like that.

[Travv]

For those who want to read a book on this subject, Ovid DeMaris was a muckraker who wrote books about corrupt cops in border towns and Las Vegas years ago. As one victim of the local policia pointed out then, Why would I complain about the cops? Who knows when you will fall into their hands again, si?

Review of Poso Del Mundo: "At the time it was written I might have believed that the author sensationalized border problems. "Poso de Mundo"the lowest pit in the earth- is the term some Mexicans use to describe their own border towns I. E. Tijuana, Juarez, Nuevo Laredo to name the worst. I've lived on the border and recognize full well the corruption and decadence that characterizes these places.

If anyone thought Demaris sensationalized, he should no longer. The border has become one long battleground with powerful drug cartels fighting against and allying with Mexican Police departments as well as the Federal police and the Mexican military, itself. No one is safe. Police chiefs are murdered in Tijuana. Recently, the drug cartel attempted the takeover of Nuevo Laredo but la policia fought back. Victorious, the police announced that they were now taking over the drug business. The Federal Government didn't care for what amounted to open insurrection against its government. We were treated to scenes of the N. L. Police shooting it out with Federales."

Book was written back in the 1970's but reads like it was written yesterday. Available on Amazon for $2.91 used.

The upside to all this is like I have mentioned to local Mexicans a few times. I am a tourist so I am valuable and if anything happens to me it will likely get publicized and wreck the tourist business for a while; but local Mexicans are worth little to the policia because no matter what happens to the locals it likely won't affect tourism. Bad publicity stopped the Navy and Marines from being allowed in Tijuana which has, IMO, turned the Chicago Club into a shell of what it once was and adversely affected many other tourism businesses in Tijuana.


I have told this story before. I have a friend who use to work in zona norte. One day he went in one of those tiendas close to school girl corner. He witnessed a ratero giving a share of the loot to a uniformed muni cop. While they were joking about a 2 for 1 . Apparently while the ratero was fleeing the first mugging he commited a 2nd mugging. This is so wrong, but as a local it is certainly a see nothing report nothing kind of situation.

Now for some first hand corruption. When I was robbed by the police after the 066 call a supervisor showed up and tried to sweep the situation under the rug, by offering me more money than what was stolen and calling the thieves back to the scene to give me hugs (yea hugs WTF) . So that should confirm that the supervisor has an interest in protecting the bandit police. Probably because the rumors are true that the captains get a cut on all that stolen money.

While I did go to Sinductura I never filed a formal complaint. Seeing how I spend a lot of time in the zona I did not want to be worried about the cop paying a ratero buddy to stick a knife in my back. My hope was Sindictura was run more like Internal Affairs where you could report the bad cop and they would keep an eye on him and set him up. But it does not work like that.

[Hargow20]

This is so outrageous. You can make a online report to the Sinductura (http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/SindicaturaNet/html/comun/mpg/index.aspx). It's one thing to extorting bribes, but it's quite another thing for the police to look the other way when people are getting robbed. I just made a report to let the Sinductura know what is happening. Hopefully this does some good. I just reported this to Frontera newspaper as well.

The only good thing is that the rateros has been less active the past few months. The crime does rise and fall and the key is know when it is rising so that way we don't get caught by surprise and get mugged. This is why it is important to for all of us to report crime news when we see it.


I have told this story before. I have a friend who use to work in zona norte. One day he went in one of those tiendas close to school girl corner. He witnessed a ratero giving a share of the loot to a uniformed muni cop. While they were joking about a 2 for 1 . Apparently while the ratero was fleeing the first mugging he commited a 2nd mugging. This is so wrong, but as a local it is certainly a see nothing report nothing kind of situation.

Now for some first hand corruption. When I was robbed by the police after the 066 call a supervisor showed up and tried to sweep the situation under the rug, by offering me more money than what was stolen and calling the thieves back to the scene to give me hugs (yea hugs WTF) . So that should confirm that the supervisor has an interest in protecting the bandit police. Probably because the rumors are true that the captains get a cut on all that stolen money.

While I did go to Sinductura I never filed a formal complaint. Seeing how I spend a lot of time in the zona I did not want to be worried about the cop paying a ratero buddy to stick a knife in my back. My hope was Sindictura was run more like Internal Affairs where you could report the bad cop and they would keep an eye on him and set him up. But it does not work like that.

[Baxter Slade]

I'm not so sure the rateros have become less active. Just read about a Tijuana veteran getting choked out and robbed last week. And this just after passing someone in one of those Asian tour groups who was robbed. And in the past they seemed immuned to getting robbed. The best advice is if you are traveling outside of that square block we like to frequent, TAKE A CAB.

I do have to wonder if Trumps plan to send all the bad people back to Mexico will lead to higher crime in these border towns.

[Captain Solo]

There are no longer young students, sailors and Marines partying rowdily in bars on Revolucion, or couples and families with children strolling happily on Freedom Path in the warm sunshine, shopping for trinkets and eating 3 for $1 tacos and $1 beers.

Tourism today in Tijuana is down to about 10% what it was in 2008. You can blame the downturn on a few main causes, including the shootings and murders by drug cartels, but the passport requirement and off-limits to sailors and Marines are 2 obvious ones. Soldiers are now hanging out in strip joints in San Diego and gang banging US strippers, bringing the jobs home, just what our Commander in Chief, the Donald, would like to see.

Before 2008. Adelita and hotel Coahuila would have a line of dozen couples waiting with towels in hands, waiting for the rooms to open up for screwing, but no more. 2008 Girls working the streets and in bars all saw a massive decline in their business after 2008; the most attractive ones just packed it and went home. HK managed to recruit lots of hot girls from all other states, mostly young chicas from Sinaloa via the ferry to La Paz then a 26 hour bus ride North to Tijuana with high hope of making big money quickly. Unfortunately there are 60 to 80 girls hanging out in HK every weekend the $80 screws are far and few in between. Most new girls would tough it out trying to build up regular clienteles, but most would quit and go home after a few months.

It's pretty sad quite a few bars in La Zona, like Chicago, is now virtually empty. Even then 2 Marine sergeants still snuck over and murdered 2 girls in hotel Hacienda de Santiago about 3 years back. If US soldiers are allowed to blow off steam in Tijuana, the MPs have to be there to protect them and to deal with threats and their security problems. Recently MPs may be way outgunned by the cartels with their 50 cal machine guns and RPG launchers. Hehe.


. Bad publicity stopped the Navy and Marines from being allowed in Tijuana which has, IMO, turned the Chicago Club into a shell of what it once was and adversely affected many other tourism businesses in Tijuana.

[Hargow20]

There is still some Ratero's around. But there is not nearly as many as there was earlier this year. There was quite a few Ratero's that used to hang on Constitucion & the Alley. I see the police searching and rounding up the Ratero's in the Zona all the time. The east side of Nino's Hero's between the alley and Primera is very dark and quite dangerous at night.


I'm not so sure the rateros have become less active. Just read about a Tijuana veteran getting choked out and robbed last week. And this just after passing someone in one of those Asian tour groups who was robbed. And in the past they seemed immuned to getting robbed. The best advice is if you are traveling outside of that square block we like to frequent, TAKE A CAB.

I do have to wonder if Trumps plan to send all the bad people back to Mexico will lead to higher crime in these border towns.

[Hargow20]

Personally I have never had any problems on that pedestrian street. It's partially because I typically only stay in the Zona till 9 or 10 pm. When I do walk on that street I try and walk near other people. About a month ago I was robbed on the bridge however. I did see some Ratero's on the bridge and I figured they were just some teens hanging out on the bridge. Whenever I am TJ I always constantly look to see who is behind me. If you do see at a Ratero look directly at him to let him know that you are aware that he is around.


The freedom trail past the wax museum, farmacia Piri, the Mercado de Artesania, the foot bridge across the Tijuana river to Ped West etc. Is dark and deserted after dark and should be avoided.

The choke-hold rateros do choke and rob people regularly, perhaps more frequently on Mexicans and we just don't hear about them. Outside of the safe zone in front of the bars on Coahuila and the alley, it's safer to walk on the streets away from the sidewalks.

Stay safe, so you can enjoy the chicas' companies for many years to come.

[Jicks]

Many were chasing a person front of money exchange near hotel Cesar in Calle Coahuila at 1. 30 pm 4/30.

[Baxter Slade]

Frontera and another site is reporting a shooting this afternoon inside Maquerida bar. One dead.

Be prepared for even more thorough searches when entering zona bars.

[Hargow20]

This is not a good sign. Every time we see a violent incident the muggings seem to increase as well. My guess is that the Rateros will be more active and we will see more muggings.

http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Policiaca/01052017/1209170-Un-muerto-tras-ataque-en-bar-de-la-Zona-Norte.html


Frontera and another site is reporting a shooting this afternoon inside Maquerida bar. One dead.

Be prepared for even more thorough searches when entering zona bars.

[Jicks]

I'm at the site, everything is as usual except crime scene marking. No extra checkup at HK. I don't do beyond HK, Cascadas and Birreria Guadalajara Restaurant.


This is not a good sign. Every time we see a violent incident the muggings seem to increase as well. My guess is that the Rateros will be more active and we will see more muggings.

http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Policiaca/01052017/1209170-Un-muerto-tras-ataque-en-bar-de-la-Zona-Norte.html

[Captain Solo]

Good Tijuana criminal Lawyer, Fernando Benitez, who defended Jorge Hank Rhon in 2011.

Ex Marine was acquitted or armed robbery and freed since he did not understand Spanish.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2017/05/judge-frees-and-removes-robbery-charges.html?m=1

[Hargow20]

Not concerned with the clubs. The Rateros / muggers is what concerns me. When shootings the muggings seem to increase as well. So I recommend everyone use due caution. Always look to see who is behind you in the Zona.


I'm at the site, everything is as usual except crime scene marking. No extra checkup at HK. I don't do beyond HK, Cascadas and Birreria Guadalajara Restaurant.

[Travv]

Guys,

might want to get this lawyer's business card. If this lawyer can spring a druggie with a shotgun likely robbing locals for drug cash, he can likely help you if you fall into the hands of the Tijuana policia! Looks like a minor miracle that this druggie walked away scot free!

"The Judge Leticia Larranga Vizcarra set free the ex Marine from the United States, James Tyler Yeager, who was detained on 23rd of April by the Federal Police after breaking into a house in the Fraccionamiento San Antonio del Mar in Tijuana armed with a shotgun, to rob the owner of his wallet and tape recorder. In addition the American faces charges of domestic violence in Montana, from whence he originates. Upon being reviewed by a physician of the PGJE, Yeager admitted having taken crystal meth."


Good Tijuana criminal Lawyer, Fernando Benitez, who defended Jorge Hank Rhon in 2011.

Ex Marine was acquitted or armed robbery and freed since he did not understand Spanish.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2017/05/judge-frees-and-removes-robbery-charges.html?m=1

[Captain Solo]

You got it right. Good Tijuana criminal Lawyer, Fernando Benitez, who defended Jorge Hank Rhon in 2011.

This guy is either the best lawyer in Mexico, over qualified for Mexico's Supreme Court, or he has good connections and knows how to fix bad cases.

I should buy him a coupe drinks and a couple pussies in HK just in case something bad happens to me in Tijuana.


Guys,

might want to get this lawyer's business card. If this lawyer can spring a druggie with a shotgun likely robbing locals for drug cash, he can likely help you if you fall into the hands of the Tijuana policia! Looks like a minor miracle that this druggie walked away scot free!

"The Judge Leticia Larranga Vizcarra set free the ex Marine from the United States, James Tyler Yeager, who was detained on 23rd of April by the Federal Police after breaking into a house in the Fraccionamiento San Antonio del Mar in Tijuana armed with a shotgun, to rob the owner of his wallet and tape recorder. In addition the American faces charges of domestic violence in Montana, from whence he originates. Upon being reviewed by a physician of the PGJE, Yeager admitted having taken crystal meth."

[Hargow20]

Mexico 2nd most violent country in the world.

23,000 killings in a single year. Mexico's govt is disputing this. It's quite possible in terms of people killed. If not Mexico is no doubt in the 2-4 range.

(http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/10/527794495/mexico-is-called-worlds-second-most-violent-country).

[Captain Solo]

The highest murder rates are Honduras, El Salvador and Venzuela. Mexico is down in #26, the Philippines #50:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_intentional_homicide_rate

UNODC*murder rates (per 100,000 inhabitants). Most recent year.

Murder Rate Country #Count Region year.

84.6 *Honduras 5,936 Americas Central America 2014.

64.2 *El Salvador 3,921 Americas Central America 2014.

62 *Venezuela 19,030 Americas South America 2014.

52.6 *United States Virgin Islands*(US) 56 Americas Caribbean 2010.

38 *Lesotho 764 Africa Southern Africa 2010.

36.1 *Jamaica 1,005 Americas Caribbean 2012.

34.4 *Belize 121 Americas Central America 2014.

33.6 *Saint Kitts and Nevis 18 Americas Caribbean 2012.

33 *South Africa 17,805 Africa Southern Africa 2014.

31.2 *Guatemala 4,998 Americas Central America 2014.

29.8 *Bahamas 111 Americas Caribbean 2012.

27.9 *Colombia 13,343 Americas South America 2014.

25.9 *Trinidad and Tobago 351 Americas Caribbean 2012.

25.6 *Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 28 Americas Caribbean 2012.

24.6 *Brazil 50,674 Americas South America 2014.

21.6 *Saint Lucia 39 Americas Caribbean 2012.

21.1 *Dominica 15 Americas Caribbean 2010.

20.4 *Montserrat*(UK) 1 Americas Caribbean 2008.

18.5 *Puerto Rico*(US) 681 Americas Caribbean 2014.

17.4 *Swaziland 208 Africa Southern Africa 2010.

17.4 *Dominican Republic 1,810 Americas Caribbean 2014.

17.2 *Namibia 388 Africa Southern Africa 2012.

17.2 *Panama 663 Americas Central America 2013.

17 *Guyana 135 Americas South America 2012.

15.9 *Saint Pierre and Miquelon*(France) 1 Americas Northern America 2009.

15.7 *Mexico 19,669 Americas Central America 2013.

15.4 *Botswana 303 Africa Southern Africa 2010.

15.2 *Myanmar 8,044 Asia South-Eastern Asia 2012.

14.7 *Cayman Islands*(UK) 8 Americas Caribbean 2009.

14.4 *South Sudan 1,504 Africa Eastern Africa 2012.

13.6 *Central African Republic 610 Africa Middle Africa 2012.

13.5 *Democratic Republic of the Congo 8,755 Africa Middle Africa 2012.

13.3 *French Guiana*(France) 30 Americas South America 2009.

12.8 *Turkmenistan 660 Asia Central Asia 2012.

12.4 *Ivory Coast 2,412 Africa Western Africa 2012.

12.1 *Bolivia 1,270 Americas South America 2012.

11.8 *Uganda 4,473 Africa Eastern Africa 2014.

11.4 *Mauritania 430 Africa Western Africa 2012.

11.3 *Nicaragua 675 Americas Central America 2012.

11.2 *Mali 1,640 Africa Western Africa 2012.

11.2 *Antigua and Barbuda 10 Americas Caribbean 2012.

10.8 *Angola 2,232 Africa Middle Africa 2012.

10.6 *Cape Verde 54 Africa Western Africa 2013.

10.5 *Republic of the Congo 450 Africa Middle Africa 2012.

10.4 *Papua New Guinea 713 Oceania Melanesia 2010.

10.3 *Guinea-Bissau 169 Africa Western Africa 2012.

10.3 *Nigeria 17,059 Africa Western Africa 2012.

10.2 *Haiti 1,033 Americas Caribbean 2012.

10 *Costa Rica 477 Americas Central America 2014.

9. 9 *Philippines 9,797 Asia South-Eastern Asia 2014.

[Long Don Silva]

Please note that the article cited by Hargow uses statistics from 2016 whereas the wiki page referenced by the captain uses statistics from 2009-2014. I'm just presenting objective observations; draw your own conclusions.

[Captain Solo]

NPR shows total number of homicides whereas WIKI shows the rates per 100 K.

Mexico is far more populous than Honduras, El Salvador and Venezuela.

If you want to find the relative risk levels, the murder rate is far more significant than the total.


Please note that the article cited by Hargow uses statistics from 2016 whereas the wiki page referenced by the captain uses statistics from 2009-2014. I'm just presenting objective observations; draw your own conclusions.

[Captain Solo]

A very interesting article, well researched and written by Kristina Davis of the San Diego Tribune, showing the working of the entry ports.

Daily about 38,000 cars and 18,000 pedestrians cross these 2 border entry ports with lots of attempts to smuggle contraband. As you can see how CBP agents go about finding smugglers, just don't even try it. It's not worth spending decades eating rotten food, jacking off or honeymooning with Carlos in Club Fed, while you can be out partying, drinking and screwing pretty chicas.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/sd-me-border-crime-20170513-story.html

The director of entry ports and San Isidro and Otay Mesa is Sidney Aki. His office is in the big building at San Ysidro. If you have any problems at the ports, write letters to him and be prepared to escalate your complaints up the HSI chains of command if local agents are not responsive.

Looks like CBP has access to arrest warrants from other states. So be careful if you have any outstanding arrest warrants:

"Meanwhile, in the neighboring inspection lane, the driver of a gray SUV was led away in handcuffs. Officers determined he was wanted on a warrant out of Nevada for burglary and identification fraud. "

[Flyer47]

Would having keys ready in a fist be fine? I imagine keys in a fist could do more damage than just a fist alone and would also not be considered a weapon by law enforcement.


In Mexico it's illegal to carry in the person a knife with blade longer than 4 " or 100 mm, not even a pocket knife.

From the US Consulate: Guns are Illegal in Mexico.

Quote:

Don't carry a knife, even a small pocketknife, on your person in Mexico.

If you carry a knife on your person in Mexico, even a pocketknife.

*You may be arrested and charged with possession of a deadly weapon.

*You may spend weeks in jail waiting for trial, and tens of thousands of dollars in attorney's fees, court costs, and fines.

*If convicted, you may be sentenced to up to five years in a Mexican prison.

[Captain Solo]

Metal pens with sharp fine tips are legal to carry. They are easier to hold in your hand and can do serious damages against muggers.


Would having keys ready in a fist be fine? I imagine keys in a fist could do more damage than just a fist alone and would also not be considered a weapon by law enforcement.

[Travv]

"For a country that generates roughly 10% of its GDP from tourism, mostly from Americans, Mexico's surging violent crime rates, courtesy of its notoriously brutal drug cartels, is quickly becoming a 'huge' economic issue. As we recently noted, more Americans have been killed while traveling abroad in Mexico than any other country, by a staggering margin, no less.

And while Mexico would love to shake it's bad rap when it comes to violence, the negative data points just continue to pile up. The latest such data comes courtesy of Mexico's car insurance association Amis, which found that auto thefts spiked in March 2017 by over 20% and current stand at multi-year highs. Per Bloomberg: In March, the number of auto thefts rose 21 percent from the same month a year earlier, according to numbers from the car insurance association known as Amis. Meanwhile, the recovery rate -- the percentage of stolen cars that police were able to recover -- dropped to its lowest since at least 2005 . . '.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-05-18/mexicos-crime-wave-spirals-out-control-auto-thefts-surge

Moral of this story. Do not take expensive cars over the border. Only take beater cars that no one will want to steal or carjack or that you do not care about losing. Flashy watches, jewelry and clothing should be avoided unless you do not mind the local sharks noticing a rich tourist with too much money. I drive an old beater car in Tijuana that I do not mind denting or losing in Mexico and no car thief would bother stealing IMO. Especially recommend stick shift cars since most thieves do not know how to drive without an automatic transmission.

[Captain Solo]

There are more Trump's deportees in Tijuana, and more of those waiting to cross the border. They have to eat and will resort to crimes to survive.

The cars they like to steal are actually older family sedans, Accord, Camry, Mazda 6, Chevy Malibu, Ford Taurus ect. Which are easy to steal and have high demands on the used parts market. They would take the cars to chop shops that strip all high value parts and destroy all IDs.

Expensive cars are also stolen and sold in Mexico. Large SUV's are their favorites. They can bribe the right people to have them registered. The cartel guys love to drive around in large SUV's with room for them to pack their AK47's. Policias would never think of checking cartels' SUVs.

A few years back, one afternoon at the parking lot next to JIB, I saw a guy changing plates on half a dozen cars, apparently stolen cars getting ready to be driven to Mexico. I called 911, explained the situation to the cops and waited around for a bust, but nothing happened after 20 minutes. I had to walk. Don't count on local LE for protection. They are too busy busting soft prostitutes and protecting only their own lazy asses and their fat pensions.


"For a country that generates roughly 10% of its GDP from tourism, mostly from Americans, Mexico's surging violent crime rates, courtesy of its notoriously brutal drug cartels, is quickly becoming a 'huge' economic issue. As we recently noted, more Americans have been killed while traveling abroad in Mexico than any other country, by a staggering margin, no less.

And while Mexico would love to shake it's bad rap when it comes to violence, the negative data points just continue to pile up. The latest such data comes courtesy of Mexico's car insurance association Amis, which found that auto thefts spiked in March 2017 by over 20% and current stand at multi-year highs. Per Bloomberg: In March, the number of auto thefts rose 21 percent from the same month a year earlier, according to numbers from the car insurance association known as Amis..

[Hargow20]

It's hard to believe that the SDPD did not respond and arrest those guys at JIB. Perhaps you should have tried calling the local substation in San Ysidro as well. Personally I never take my car into Mexico. The drivers are to crazy and there is enough problems with the police.

Perhaps it's time for the Mexico to have forced labor for the drug dealers and cartel members that are in prison there.


"For a country that generates roughly 10% of its GDP from tourism, mostly from Americans, Mexico's surging violent crime rates, courtesy of its notoriously brutal drug cartels, is quickly becoming a 'huge' economic issue. As we recently noted, more Americans have been killed while traveling abroad in Mexico than any other country, by a staggering margin, no less.

And while Mexico would love to shake it's bad rap when it comes to violence, the negative data points just continue to pile up. The latest such data comes courtesy of Mexico's car insurance association Amis, which found that auto thefts spiked in March 2017 by over 20% and current stand at multi-year highs. Per Bloomberg: In March, the number of auto thefts rose 21 percent from the same month a year earlier, according to numbers from the car insurance association known as Amis. Meanwhile, the recovery rate -- the percentage of stolen cars that police were able to recover -- dropped to its lowest since at least 2005 . . '.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-05-18/mexicos-crime-wave-spirals-out-control-auto-thefts-surge

Moral of this story. Do not take expensive cars over the border. Only take beater cars that no one will want to steal or carjack or that you do not care about losing. Flashy watches, jewelry and clothing should be avoided unless you do not mind the local sharks noticing a rich tourist with too much money. I drive an old beater car in Tijuana that I do not mind denting or losing in Mexico and no car thief would bother stealing IMO. Especially recommend stick shift cars since most thieves do not know how to drive without an automatic transmission.

[Travv]

Tourists who visit other countries should not go around insulting locals? Maybe a bad idea if you do not want your head cut off? LOL.

"Blurry footage of the attack circulated widely on Mexican media on Saturday. In one clip, assailants can be heard shouting "You're going to die" and "I'm going to cut your head off" as they closed in on the Russian.

The incident began when a group of people confronted Makeev over his disparaging comments toward locals, many of which he videotaped and posted online.

Makeev stabbed a youth who got into his apartment, prompting the mob to grow and the violence to escalate, Brahms said.

It was not clear how long Makeev had been in Mexico, but Aquaworld, a company offering maritime tours in Cancun, said in a statement on Facebook the Russian had been dismissed from its payroll in November 2015 because of his aggressive behavior. . . "

https://www.yahoo.com/news/mexican-mob-attacks-russian-man-cancun-over-insults-005106388.html

Go to exotic foreign countries, meet interesting people, and insult them on video! Wonder what happens next! Better have good running shoes to avoid the raging mobs! LOL.

[Hargow20]

Crossed back over the border and walked back to my car by Goodwill. When I got back I discovered my SUV was gone. I called SDPD to report my car stolen. They told me my SUV was towed. I saw this one guy writing down this other cars VIN. I asked why my car was towed. He then told me that gravel was considered to be private property. Now mind you that I was parked partially on the gravel parallel to the rest of the street. He then tries telling me that there is a no parking sign. There is a no parking sign, but it is located 3/4 of the down of the block. He then points to other private no parking sign that is posted. Now mind you these rectangular signs only govern private property not public. This was not a official city sign. He then tries telling me that I was blocking a driveway. There was a cement slab with concrete parking stops. There area where he indicated there was no driveway curb. So after all of this nonsense I was forced to take the trolley home and catch a cab. So tomorrow I have to waste time and get my car out of the towing yard. I am calling my lawyer and going to sue these shysters. ! Grrr.

[Captain Solo]

Sorry to hear this problem.

Tow truck operators are a bunch of heartless crooks. They are in cahoot with the police and store owners, giving them kick back for tow jobs. That Goodwill store is in a strip mall with a large parking lot. Where is the gravel? How can they tow your car if you park in the lot?

The car was probably towed and stored somewhere in Otay Mesa area. They will charge you by the miles and it will cost you a bundle for towing and storage. If you are gone only a few hours, street parking near the KFC, behind the Day's inn along the rail road, or the malls, is safe.

Take pictures of the parking lot and any posted signs. You can go on line and file a Small Claim suit in Chula Vista court to recover the costs, plus costs for your time, transportation and any incidentals, up to $7500. Chances are you will get a big chunk back.


Crossed back over the border and walked back to my car by Goodwill. When I got back I discovered my SUV was gone. I called SDPD to report my car stolen. They told me my SUV was towed. I saw this one guy writing down this other cars VIN. I asked why my car was towed. He then told me that gravel was considered to be private property. Now mind you that I was parked partially on the gravel parallel to the rest of the street. He then tries telling me that there is a no parking sign. There is a no parking sign, but it is located 3/4 of the down of the block. He then points to other private no parking sign that is posted. Now mind you these rectangular signs only govern private property not public. This was not a official city sign. He then tries telling me that I was blocking a driveway. There was a cement slab with concrete parking stops. There area where he indicated there was no driveway curb. So after all of this nonsense I was forced to take the trolley home and catch a cab. So tomorrow I have to waste time and get my car out of the towing yard. I am calling my lawyer and going to sue these shysters. ! Grrr.

[Ninguno Especial]

When I got back I discovered my SUV was gone. I called SDPD to report my car stolen. They told me my SUV was towed..There is always a certain amount of risk parking on the street in that area after dark yet I know some have done it for years without a problem. Personally I prefer to park free at a trolley lot and spend $2. 50 ($1. 25 if you are over 60 or so) each way to save the walking and high lot fees. If you can't get the fees refunded just chalk it up to collateral damage and prorate if over however many trips and years you've been going down. We all accrue these added costs eventually.

[HorseTrader]

Crossed back over the border and walked back to my car by Goodwill. When I got back I discovered my SUV was gone. I called SDPD to report my car stolen. They told me my SUV was towed. I saw this one guy writing down this other cars VIN. I asked why my car was towed. He then told me that gravel was considered to be private property. Now mind you that I was parked partially on the gravel parallel to the rest of the street. He then tries telling me that there is a no parking sign. There is a no parking sign, but it is located 3/4 of the down of the block. He then points to other private no parking sign that is posted. Now mind you these rectangular signs only govern private property not public. This was not a official city sign. He then tries telling me that I was blocking a driveway. There was a cement slab with concrete parking stops. There area where he indicated there was no driveway curb. So after all of this nonsense I was forced to take the trolley home and catch a cab. So tomorrow I have to waste time and get my car out of the towing yard. I am calling my lawyer and going to sue these shysters. ! Grrr.Sorry to hear what happened to you. Something similar happened to a friend of mine in Maryland. He was towed because he was supposedly within the red curb zone at a fire hydrant. Since then he has been taking a picture of his parked car every time he parks it. When he gets back to his car, he deletes the picture. Pain in the ass.

[Baxter Slade]

So Caprese 7 and myself hailed a cab in the zona to head back to the Ticuan. This was no ordinary taxi Libre. This taxi had a great sound system with a small video screen on the dashboard. The screen let you pick the music you wanted just like a juke box. So we are playing some Bee Gees (staying alive) and dancing and singinging in our seats and having a blast. And then it happens red and blue lights and we are getting pulled over. We are all ordered out of the cab. First thing I do when getting out is look for a truck number in case things come out missing. I notice there are 2 police trucks the back one is pulled in at a funny angle and there are several cops standing towards the back carrying rifles and looking around like they are afraid of being ambushed. I also noticed it was State police not the Muni, I mean monkees. Anyways they were nothing like the normal muni monkee police we have to deal with. These guys were profesional never even entered our pockets looking for things to steal just checked a couple ID's and we were on our way. The cab driver just explained to the cops some americanos having fun.

Ohh yea if anyone wants to call Disco taxi and have a blast. I got the phone # you can PM me.

[Bbond]

Mexico 2nd most violent country in the world.
23,000 killings in a single year. Mexico's govt is disputing this. It's quite possible in terms of people killed. If not Mexico is no doubt in the 2-4 range.The real number is really quite higher, there are thousands that are not reported, and / or not reported.

[Captain Solo]

Baxter and Caprese just found a new way to enjoy Tijuana: partying, singing and dancing with hairy and smelly cab drivers while policias watch!


So Caprese 7 and myself hailed a cab in the zona to head back to the Ticuan. This was no ordinary taxi Libre. This taxi had a great sound system with a small video screen on the dashboard. The screen let you pick the music you wanted just like a juke box. So we are playing some Bee Gees (staying alive) and dancing and singinging in our seats and having a blast. And then it happens red and blue lights and we are g

The cab driver just explained to the cops some americanos having fun.

Ohh yea if anyone wants to call Disco taxi and have a blast. I got the phone # you can PM me.

[Baxter Slade]

Baxter and Caprese just found a new way to enjoy Tijuana: partying, singing and dancing with hairy and smelly cab drivers while policias watch!Ohh I forgot to mention our hot dates were with us. Of course for me the bad part was I was sitting in front with the smelly hairy cab driver and caprese was in back with the 2 chicas.

[Baxter Slade]

Ohh I forgot to mention our hot dates were with us. Of course for me the bad part was I was sitting in front with the smelly hairy cab driver and caprese was in back with the 2 chicas.The good thing was the cops totally left me and the smelly, hairy cab driver alone, they didn't even want to see my ID. They were totally focused on that playa Caprese 7 and his bitches.

[Captain Solo]

When policias are entertained and get horny, they will usually insist on having free money or free sex!


The good thing was the cops totally left me and the smelly, hairy cab driver alone, they didn't even want to see my ID. They were totally focused on that playa Caprese 7 and his bitches.

[Captain Solo]

I met a bro who parked his car in one of the strip malls in San Ysidro and got towed. It costed him closed to $500 tow fee and storage to get his car back.

Looks like mall owners are in cahoot with tow truck operators and have people watch their parking lots. If they see you park the cars and walk away from the lots, instead of shopping in the stores, they would call the tow trucks. For day trippers, stop parking in mall lots, or risk $500 tow jobs. Park in paid parking lots or on streets behind the Days' Inn and KFC.

The damn tow trucks even roam Camp Pendleton's La Pulgas exit and tow poor Marines' cars parked off the roads


Crossed back over the border and walked back to my car by Goodwill. When I got back I discovered my SUV was gone. I called SDPD to report my car stolen. They told me my SUV was towed. I saw this one guy writing down this other cars VIN. I asked why my car was towed. He then told me that gravel was considered to be private property. Now mind you that I was parked partially on the gravel parallel to the rest of the street. He then tries telling me that there is a no parking sign. There is a no parking sign, but it is located 3/4 of the down of the block. He then points to other private no parking sign that is posted. Now mind you these rectangular signs only govern private property not public. This was not a official city sign. He then tries telling me that I was blocking a driveway. There was a cement slab with concrete parking stops. There area where he indicated there was no driveway curb. So after all of this nonsense I was forced to take the trolley home and catch a cab. So tomorrow I have to waste time and get my car out of the towing yard. I am calling my lawyer and going to sue these shysters. ! Grrr.

[SBeach25]

So had a great time in the Zona and was leaving the parking lot behind tropical. As I was exiting the parking lot and not paying attention my wingman said two moto monkies just looked at me hard. I didn't pay attention so started driving to the street just one block off main strip. As I made a right turn to get to the street to the new bridge, and sure enough they pulled me over as I drove by. Said, I didn't wait for pedestrians to cross even tho the guy had already started walking behing my car as I got close to him. Then assumed that I had been drinking and wanted me to follow them to station for testing. I knew I was fucked, had 4 beers on empty stomach over a span of 1. 5 hours. Plus the girl I just banged said I needed to eat and walk off the alcohol before leaving. As I sat in my car I remember she just warned me and here I am. However, I didn't feel I was that drunk but buzzing and did not want to risk it so I told him what needed to be done to correct this. He hands me the ticket pad and says to put everything I had in btwn the tickets. As I looked at the ticket it was all bogus with fake name and license plate. I gave him about $80 in dollars and pesos and he insisted my wingman contribute as well another 500 P.S. Just a warning, stay on main strip so cameras are around. Even though I was buzzed I felt I did not want to risk the chance. Stay safe. BTW, the officer that asked me for donation was Mondial on is name plate.

[Bubby]

So had a great time in the Zona and was leaving the parking lot behind tropical. As I was exiting the parking lot and not paying attention my wingman said two moto monkies just looked at me hard. I didn't pay attention so started driving to the street just one block off main strip. As I made a right turn to get to the street to the new bridge, and sure enough they pulled me over as I drove by. Said, I didn't wait for pedestrians to cross even tho the guy had already started walking behing my car as I got close to him. Then assumed that I had been drinking and wanted me to follow them to station for testing. I knew I was fucked, had 4 beers on empty stomach over a span of 1. 5 hours. Plus the girl I just banged said I needed to eat and walk off the alcohol before leaving. As I sat in my car I remember she just warned me and here I am. However, I didn't feel I was that drunk but buzzing and did not want to risk it so I told him what needed to be done to correct this. He hands me the ticket pad and says to put everything I had in btwn the tickets. As I looked at the ticket it was all bogus with fake name and license plate. I gave him about $80 in dollars and pesos and he insisted my wingman contribute as well another 500 P.S. Just a warning, stay on main strip so cameras are around. Even though I was buzzed I felt I did not want to risk the chance. Stay safe. BTW, the officer that asked me for donation was Mondial on is name plate.IMO, you made the correct decision to pay him off. The limit in Tijuana for DUI is. 5, a bit below in the USA. I would never pay if it was a straight shakedown, and you weren't drinking. But since you were buzzed, it was probably the right call.

[Phordphan]

IMO, you made the correct decision to pay him off. The limit in Tijuana for DUI is. 5, a bit below in the USA. I would never pay if it was a straight shakedown, and you weren't drinking. But since you were buzzed, it was probably the right call.Are you sure about the. 05? I thought only Chihuahua had. 04. The national limit is. 08, but some states are different. I can't find anything that says Baja California Norte is any different.

[Travv]

I tell guys, if you are going to drink anything alcoholic in the Zona, first get an all night room as soon as you arrive so you are not tempted to get into your car and party with the motorcycle policia who are waiting for you to leave the clubs Only drive in the daytime after you sober up in your room! I've heard the Hotel Eduardo is 250 pesos for an all night room and the Chicago Club has a cheap hotel next door. Lot cheaper than mordida, fines or a stay in the Tijuana jail for DUI!

[Bubby]

Are you sure about the. 05? I thought only Chihuahua had. 04. The national limit is. 08, but some states are different. I can't find anything that says Baja California Norte is any different.My novia and I were driving and ran into an alcoholimetro on Calle 9 a few blocks west of Revo. She was taken into the trailer and blew a. 48. The officer told her that at. 5, she wouldn't have been able to leave.

Her cousin was stopped at one in Hermosillo. He blew a. 43. He got up to leave and they told him the limit was. 4. he was arrested. I think he ended up paying a multa of around 7500 pesos. Both of these occurred last year.

[Captain Solo]

In the US 0.08% is the legal limit blood alcohol content by volume for driving.

That means if you have 1 gallon of blood in your body, the alcohol volume in your blood legal to drive must be below 0.08% of a gallon, measured by Alcohol Breath Analyzers.

I had 3 beers in 3 hours in HK and got stopped by policia on the dark stretch of Benito Juarez corner of Negrete, where the road spits 3 ways. The pretty nurse let me blow into a breath analyzer and showed it to me. It measured 0.03% so she let me go. If Tijuana limit is 0.05 % I would have to knock down 5 drinks in 3 hours to exceed legal limit, or 9 drink for the 0. 08% limit the US.4 other Mexicans were arrested, cars impounded, while their families hang out waiting in the dark.

Alcohol Breath Analyzers are sold in eBay for about $3. Don't know how accurate they are, but I will buy a few to hand out to friends and family.


IMO, you made the correct decision to pay him off. The limit in Tijuana for DUI is. 5, a bit below in the USA. I would never pay if it was a straight shakedown, and you weren't drinking. But since you were buzzed, it was probably the right call.

[SBeach25]

I tell guys, if you are going to drink anything alcoholic in the Zona, first get an all night room as soon as you arrive so you are not tempted to get into your car and party with the motorcycle policia who are waiting for you to leave the clubs Only drive in the daytime after you sober up in your room! I've heard the Hotel Eduardo is 250 pesos for an all night room and the Chicago Club has a cheap hotel next door. Lot cheaper than mordida, fines or a stay in the Tijuana jail for DUI!It was my last day and needed to get out. So I packed in some fun at the last minute. Yes, I realize my mistake and all the warnings were there even from the girl I just banged. Of course me being hasty and just wanted to take off after my bang was what caused me not to listen to my friend letting me know that the two monkees just marked me. I should have just pulled right back into the parking lot and went back to bars to chill out.

[Phordphan]

My novia and I were driving and ran into an alcoholimetro on Calle 9 a few blocks west of Revo. She was taken into the trailer and blew a. 48. The officer told her that at. 5, she wouldn't have been able to leave.

Her cousin was stopped at one in Hermosillo. He blew a. 43. He got up to leave and they told him the limit was. 4. he was arrested. I think he ended up paying a multa of around 7500 pesos. Both of these occurred last year.Interesting. I wonder when it changed. I blew a. 04 last year and I figured I was well within the limits. Apparently not.

Anyway, after that wonderful experience I Uber everywhere after the party starts.

[Captain Solo]

Watch the video how 2 drivers got pissed off, swerving to hit each other and caused a major accident.

Looked like the motorcyclist kicked a car which swerved to hit him, but instead lost control, hit the concrete median on the left, crossed over concrete barrier on the right, rammed a SUV on the left rear side and rolled it over. The motorcyclist quickly sped from the scene. The drivers in this nasty confrontation can be easily identified and will likely facing serious felony charges.

The car looked like an old Nissan Altima, the SUV was a Honda Ridgeline. They were traveling only about 60 MPH, but you can see how cars can easily become unstable, uncontrollable and SUVs can easily roll over in emergency maneuvers. I have seen it happen to a brand-new Lincoln navigator, the largest SUV ever, weaving in traffic at about 50 MPH right ahead of my car.

Of course I have seen 1 or 2 Suzuki Samurais rolled over on busy, straight, dry freeway. One guy I know was merging slowly into a freeway in his big Toyota SUV. He ran over something that deflated his right front tire, rolling his SUV on its top. He was upside down in his SUV with blood streaming down his face, watching oncoming traffic. Lucky the drivers avoided hitting him or he could be dead.

Sharing lanes between cars and motorcycles can be stressful and can antagonize people. This year a young woman in San Diego chased down and ran over a US Navy warrant officer riding home on his motorcycle. She was convicted of manslaughter 1, doing a few years in state prison. The bros are urged to swerve and change lanes gently to avoid losing control of their cars, and to ignore rude, offensive drivers to avoid potential violent confrontations and accidents, especially on both sides of the US Mexico borders. There is no honor or victory to take on rude, ignorant, selfish on the road or anywhere else on earth.

Stay calm, cool under all circumstances, and stay alive a long time to keep the pretty chicas in good company.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-road-rage-motorcycle-crash-20170622-story.html

[Member #2041]

Lots of important Tijuana info in this post.


Watch the video how 2 drivers got pissed off, swerving to hit each other and caused a major accident.

Looked like the motorcyclist kicked a car which swerved to hit him, but instead lost control, hit the concrete median on the left, crossed over concrete barrier on the right, rammed a SUV on the left rear side and rolled it over. The motorcyclist quickly sped from the scene. The drivers in this nasty confrontation can be easily identified and will likely facing serious felony charges.

The car looked like an old Nissan Altima, the SUV was a Honda Ridgeline. They were traveling only about 60 MPH, but you can see how cars can easily become unstable, uncontrollable and SUVs can easily roll over in emergency maneuvers. I have seen it happen to a brand-new Lincoln navigator, the largest SUV ever, weaving in traffic at about 50 MPH right ahead of my car.

Of course I have seen 1 or 2 Suzuki Samurais rolled over on busy, straight, dry freeway. One guy I know was merging slowly into a freeway in his big Toyota SUV. He ran over something that deflated his right front tire, rolling his SUV on its top. He was upside down in his SUV with blood streaming down his face, watching oncoming traffic. Lucky the drivers avoided hitting him or he could be dead.

Sharing lanes between cars and motorcycles can be stressful and can antagonize people. This year a young woman in San Diego chased down and ran over a US Navy warrant officer riding home on his motorcycle. She was convicted of manslaughter 1, doing a few years in state prison. The bros are urged to swerve and change lanes gently to avoid losing control of their cars, and to ignore rude, offensive drivers to avoid potential violent confrontations and accidents, especially on both sides of the US Mexico borders. There is no honor or victory to take on rude, ignorant, selfish on the road or anywhere else on earth.

Stay calm, cool under all circumstances, and stay alive a long time to keep the pretty chicas in good company.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-road-rage-motorcycle-crash-20170622-story.html

[Captain Solo]

For the bros to stay safe on the long drive to Tijuana.


Lots of important Tijuana info in this post.

[Captain Solo]

Friday night I went to Tijuana, hanging out in HK with a newbie. Had a good time, drinking 4 beers between 9 to 12. By midnight I was driving back towards the border. There was very little traffic on the streets and no poilcias' presence. I gave him instructions how to deal with policias and to hold his cash and wallet in his hand if stopped and searched. I was crowing how nice, quiet, peaceful Tijuana's streets were after midnight.

We were on Benito Juarez, approaching Negrete, where it splits 3 ways to Tecate, Col Federal and Ruta Rapida, I saw a couple trucks with flashing yellow beacons parked at the curb. I knew it was an alcohol check point that I had been pulled in a couple months back. The cops were setting up their yellow traffic cones. At that confrontation, the cops did not speak one word of English and I understood nada their Spanish instructions, but they were patient and polite, never rough or intimidating. I got through the breath test without feeling any fear or anger of being mistreated. The young nurse in the medical truck, who operate the breath analyzer, was actually attractive and good-looking. Fuck, I wish our fine LA PD cops and LA Sheriffs were trained by Tijuana policias in human relation so they stop shooting every suspect every time.

This time I had 4 beers and was worried if I would pass their test for 0.05 BAC. I was looking to avoid the check point by turning South and cross over the Tijuana river to Ave Padre Kino and the SENTRI lane. I have a very good GPS device and just cannot get lost anywhere in Mexico. But lucky it was exactly midnight and they were not ready to stop cars. Their cones left open 1 lane to Colonia Federal which I just quietly sneaked past. Hehehe.

The wingman had walked across the border and cabbed to Tijuana a few times, but he was very impressed how quickly, smoothly and effortlessly we crossed the border back and forth in our own car, comparing to the hassles of hoofing, cabbing, sweating and fucking around with Mexican Immigration and cabbies, just to get to La Zona Norte to have our sexy trysts with sweet, pretty, good-looking, good-smelling young girls.

[WombatEd2]

I wish our fine LA PD cops and LA Sheriffs were trained by Tijuana policias in human relation so they stop shooting every suspect every time.Whadayamean "every time"? I've been arrested four times, and they only shot and killed me once! (ducking and running).

[Captain Solo]

Count again after your ducking and running.

Don't you have at least 4 squirting holes on your body, personally donated by LAPD and chief Charlie Beck?


Whadayamean "every time"? I've been arrested four times, and they only shot and killed me once! (ducking and running).

[WombatEd2]

Don't you have at least 4 squirting holes on your body, personally donated by LAPD and chief Charlie Beck?Sir! My squirting holes have to do with an entirely different kind of gun!

[Hargow20]

There is some risks in the Zona at times. The key is to always be aware of your surroundings. It is also important to try keep up to date on the crime situation in the Zona. It is important for everyone to read & report the crime & safety thread on a regular basis.


Is it really that bad when it comes to finding USA Girls? Set up to get robbed and getting jumped from behind? I guess there is more things to worry about besides trying to find a clean, non drug addicted, used up, poor hygiene American girls. You guys be careful out there. That sounds like too much of a headache and a risk.

[Travv]

"According to some new statics for the year 2012, the city of Chicago is the city with the highest rate of homicides in the United States, 506 deaths to be exact. Comparing this data to what the authorities in Tijuana, Mexico, have revealed in their numbers. Tijuana had a total of 364 homicides for 2012. Out of 32 states that make up the entire Mexican territory, only 6 are considered to be regions with high criminal activity which are Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Guerrero and the state of Mexico. Now, is it really unsafe to travel to Mexico?

Comparing Tijuana and Chicago is only one example of how important is to look further into details before making your own judgements, and not just going by what everyone else thinks."

http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/32773/Tijuana-is-much-safer-than-Chicago/

Commentator. Other stats: Tijuana murder rate is 19.6 per 100,000; Flint, Michigan 64.9; Detroit, Michigan 54.6; New Orleans, Louisiana 53.5; Oakland, California 33.1. Murder is not random, in Tijuana if you look for drugs or are a drug dealer you get in problems.


Is it really that bad when it comes to finding USA Girls? Set up to get robbed and getting jumped from behind? I guess there is more things to worry about besides trying to find a clean, non drug addicted, used up, poor hygiene American girls. You guys be careful out there. That sounds like too much of a headache and a risk.

[Hargow20]

According to this article 26 people were killed in the first of July and 793 so far in 2017. This a sign that we all need to be extra careful. I have been seeing fewer Ratero's around. But they are still around. When the crime is on the rise the bandito's come out and rob people....!!

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/jul/13/stringers-2017-turning-bloodiest-year-history/

[SBeach25]

According to this article 26 people were killed in the first of July and 793 so far in 2017. This a sign that we all need to be extra careful. I have been seeing fewer Ratero's around. But they are still around. When the crime is on the rise the bandito's come out and rob people....!!

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/jul/13/stringers-2017-turning-bloodiest-year-history/Been reading and hearing a lot about the Yellow Cab ban. I try not to tell them I'm taking uber just just ignore or just keep walking. I suspected this would happen sooner or later. Glad they are banned but I am also hearing that a judge is siding with them in court. Normally I walk a way bit down towards Pueblo Amigo Hotel so I can avoid them all together. Be safe everyone.

[Captain Solo]

You are doing a decent thing. Just walk further South away from the border and order Uber. Pueblo Amigo or Caliente casino are good spots.

I would never wait at Yellow taxi stand and tell the cabbies to stick their yellow cabs up their asses while I order UBER. If you rub salt in people's wounds, they will fight.

Legally if Yellow cabs leases the PED EAST pick up spot, they should have exclusive rights to pick up at that spot. Anybody else trolling there would be poaching or taking food out of their mouths. Tijuana government should prosecute those who broke the laws instead of unfairly banning all of them from their contractual rights.


Been reading and hearing a lot about the Yellow Cab ban. I try not to tell them I'm taking uber just just ignore or just keep walking. I suspected this would happen sooner or later. Glad they are banned but I am also hearing that a judge is siding with them in court. Normally I walk a way bit down towards Pueblo Amigo Hotel so I can avoid them all together. Be safe everyone.

[MongerHunger]

You should read this for the most current information about Tijuana. It may surprise you that Tijuana rate leaves Chicago in the dust with only half the year gone.

https://m.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/jul/13/stringers-2017-turning-bloodiest-year-history/?templates=mobile


"According to some new statics for the year 2012, the city of Chicago is the city with the highest rate of homicides in the United States, 506 deaths to be exact. Comparing this data to what the authorities in Tijuana, Mexico, have revealed in their numbers. Tijuana had a total of 364 homicides for 2012. Out of 32 states that make up the entire Mexican territory, only 6 are considered to be regions with high criminal activity which are Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Guerrero and the state of Mexico. Now, is it really unsafe to travel to Mexico?

Comparing Tijuana and Chicago is only one example of how important is to look further into details before making your own judgements, and not just going by what everyone else thinks."

http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/32773/Tijuana-is-much-safer-than-Chicago/

Commentator. Other stats: Tijuana murder rate is 19.6 per 100,000; Flint, Michigan 64.9; Detroit, Michigan 54.6; New Orleans, Louisiana 53.5; Oakland, California 33.1. Murder is not random, in Tijuana if you look for drugs or are a drug dealer you get in problems.

[Dcrist0527]

While I won't necessarily disagree with your premise, I do want to mention. This article is 4.5 years old. I think it's important, as mentioned elsewhere to stay abreast of the short term crime trend, as it seems to be volatile.

Also, again, not disputing the premise, but for a monger's sake in another country avoiding trouble in Chicago to any other big US city might be easier as a native. Visiting a foreign country presents a different set of challenges. I'm not saying Chicago is safer or vice versa. But I also think it's a bit of apples and oranges.

That said, violence is definitely on the rise lately. But it will not deter me. In fact, I bumped my trip up about 1 month. With all the information and tips provided here, I am not overly concerned about safety. Be smart, do not associate with drug dealers, maintain a reasonable level of sobriety, treat people with respect, know your surroundings and you'll be fine.


"According to some new statics for the year 2012, the city of Chicago is the city with the highest rate of homicides in the United States, 506 deaths to be exact. Comparing this data to what the authorities in Tijuana, Mexico, have revealed in their numbers. Tijuana had a total of 364 homicides for 2012. Out of 32 states that make up the entire Mexican territory, only 6 are considered to be regions with high criminal activity which are Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Guerrero and the state of Mexico. Now, is it really unsafe to travel to Mexico?

Comparing Tijuana and Chicago is only one example of how important is to look further into details before making your own judgements, and not just going by what everyone else thinks."

http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/32773/Tijuana-is-much-safer-than-Chicago/

Commentator. Other stats: Tijuana murder rate is 19.6 per 100,000; Flint, Michigan 64.9; Detroit, Michigan 54.6; New Orleans, Louisiana 53.5; Oakland, California 33.1. Murder is not random, in Tijuana if you look for drugs or are a drug dealer you get in problems.

[Dcrist0527]

In all of my border crossings, which admittedly are less than 20, I've never taken the yellow cabs at the border. They can be aggressive. But I would always walk to the street and find a Taxi Libre just on principle.


Been reading and hearing a lot about the Yellow Cab ban. I try not to tell them I'm taking uber just just ignore or just keep walking. I suspected this would happen sooner or later. Glad they are banned but I am also hearing that a judge is siding with them in court. Normally I walk a way bit down towards Pueblo Amigo Hotel so I can avoid them all together. Be safe everyone.

[Captain Solo]

http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-usc-doctor-20170717-htmlstory.html

In USC's lecture halls, labs and executive offices, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito was a towering figure. The dean of the Keck School of Medicine was a renowned eye surgeon whose skill in the operating room was matched by a gift for attracting money and talent to the university.

There was another side to the Harvard-educated physician.

During his tenure as dean, Puliafito kept company with a circle of criminals and drug users who said he used methamphetamine and other drugs with them, a Los Angeles Times investigation found.

[Captain Solo]

This guy is an accomplished ophthalmologist, paid $1.1 M a year as the dean of USC's School of Medicine, plus whatever cash and expenses he can weasel out of various research grants that he brings into the school.

He was so loaded with money that he was paying a prostitute to hang out and party with him full time, renting apartments and luxury hotels for her, and bringing her and her drugs friends to his USC office to party and consume drugs. He was caught with drugs and this overdosed 22 YO prostitute, Sarah Warren, in his hotel room. Pasadena Fire the took the girl to hospital. Pasadena cop A. Garcia was probably bribed by the good doctor, thus conveniently skip filing a crime report. An eyewitness at the hotel called Pasadena town hall, USC president, then LA Times to make sure the incident is investigated. Don't know what grudge he / she held against the good doctor. Damn.

Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito lost his USC Dean job, got a job with a biotech company but was laid off after 6 months. It's safe to say his career as a physician, professor and researcher is ruined for good due to this ugly little drug addicted pussy. Nobody would hire him with that notoriety. USC and the US government will also be auditing his spending for any clues that he misspent grants money on prostitutes and drugs. He won't be able to look anyone in the eyes again. His life is ruined due to an below average-looking drug addict with an ugly fat face, droopy boobs and saggy stomach, whom I would not even fuck for fear of diseases.

Syracuse you's Dean of Management was also busted in a prostitution sting this year and lost his $600 K a year job. The urge for sex sure ruined a lot of otherwise good, bright, productive people in the US. Something needs change so we don't waste all these talents just because they want a few romps in bed. These guys should move closer to Tijuana to party and have serious fun with hot, girls and to have as much sex as they can stand without having their dicks fall off.

No wonder all jobs, including teaching, preaching, doctoring, in San Diego are so hotly sought after. Hehe.


http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-usc-doctor-20170717-htmlstory.html

In USC's lecture halls, labs and executive offices, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito was a towering figure. The dean of the Keck School of Medicine was a renowned eye surgeon whose skill in the operating room was matched by a gift for attracting money and talent to the university.

There was another side to the Harvard-educated physician.

During his tenure as dean, Puliafito kept company with a circle of criminals and drug users who said he used methamphetamine and other drugs with them, a Los Angeles Times investigation found.

[Travv]

Riviera entrepreneur says he's had enough; turns vigilante.

"Carlos Mimenza won't say whether the 200-man team he's assembled carry guns. "I'll have to leave it to your imagination. My lawyers don't let me talk about it."

But they fly drones. They wear masks. Some are skilled hackers, hired from the Anonymous collective. They operate out of a luxury cabin in the woods, its entrance screened by a waterfall. And they claim to have the local governor, along with senior officials and cops, under surveillance 24 hours a day. Because Mimenza, a real-estate developer, says Mexico's authorities are responsible for the spread of violence and extortion, colluding with the country's drug cartels instead of protecting entrepreneurs like him.

It's not surprising that many tourists aren't aware of the (Cartel) killings going on around them. Recent murders haven't always made the front pages of the local papers left in hotel lobbies. That's no accident.

Cancun's authorities have urged local media to tone down the coverage, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. The cartels, meanwhile, have different methods but a similar agenda. "They don't want to sabotage themselves, because the moment it's in the news then tourism, the goose that lays the golden egg, dries up," said Schtulmann."

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-21/showdown-in-cancun-narcos-take-their-war-into-hot-beach-resorts

So the tourism businesses are protecting tourists in Mexico by becoming vigilantes against the corrupt politicians. Free enterprise to the rescue! Maybe the Hong Kong Club management should be put in charge of the Tijuana policia except the HK management would probably order the policia to arrest the Tijuana politicians for screwing up the tourist business!

[JT Traviezo]

While I won't necessarily disagree with your premise, I do want to mention. This article is 4.5 years old. I think it's important, as mentioned elsewhere to stay abreast of the short term crime trend, as it seems to be volatile.

Also, again, not disputing the premise, but for a monger's sake in another country avoiding trouble in Chicago to any other big US city might be easier as a native. Visiting a foreign country presents a different set of challenges. I'm not saying Chicago is safer or vice versa. But I also think it's a bit of apples and oranges.

That said, violence is definitely on the rise lately. But it will not deter me. In fact, I bumped my trip up about 1 month. With all the information and tips provided here, I am not overly concerned about safety. Be smart, do not associate with drug dealers, maintain a reasonable level of sobriety, treat people with respect, know your surroundings and you'll be fine.Tijuana already has 700+ murders for the year. Considered one of the deadliest cities in Mexico. Crime is on the rise. Most murders are amongst people involved in the drug business. There will be innocent bystanders just like anywhere else in the world.

I think you hit it on the nail. Don't get involved with drug dealers. I'll grant you, many of the girls are involved in the business but they won't bother you cause you're providing them business. It won't be good for the business if they start biting the hand that feeds them. Don't attract attention by being a loudmouth and flashing your money cause then it's a whole different story. I mongered in Tijuana for many years without ever being bothered by the girls, the locals or the cops.

[Captain Solo]

This is scary. Tourists have gotten sick, some even died, in Mexico's resorts. Families reported they were demanded to pay $30,000 in cash for local medical treatments before they can be moved back to the US.

Be careful what you drink in Mexico, especially at cheap all you can eat and all you can drink resorts. Prices are too cheap, managements have to cut corners somewhere, likely serving chemicals-laced, adulterated booze.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/resorts-in-mexico-suspected-of-drugging-tourists/458170922

http://www.ibtimes.com/after-womans-mysterious-death-mexico-resort-tourists-report-similar-incidents-2569086

[Travv]

Back during Prohibition, alcoholics would substitute wood alcohol for drinking, with the side effect of going blind then death. Even today, hard core alkies will go and buy mouthwash and chug it to satisfy their need to drink when they can't get real booze. My guess is that possibly alky bartenders or staff drank the real stuff the owner of the tourist bar bought for customers then covered up the theft by substituting wood alcohol, but they cut too much wood alcohol into the mix. A little wood alcohol added to a bottle would likely cause a severe hangover but too much. These tourist resorts need to find out if any of the staff are alkies and stealing booze to drink themselves. Because then they water the booze down or worse case, substitute wood alcohol to cover the loss of expensive booze. The only real defense a tourist has against this is drinking from unopened beer or liquor bottles so you know the liquor hasn't been "watered down" or worse.


This is scary. Tourists have gotten sick, some even died, in Mexico's resorts. Families reported they were demanded to pay $30,000 in cash for local medical treatments before they can be moved back to the US.

Be careful what you drink in Mexico, especially at cheap all you can eat and all you can drink resorts. Prices are too cheap, managements have to cut corners somewhere, likely serving chemicals-laced, adulterated booze.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/resorts-in-mexico-suspected-of-drugging-tourists/458170922

http://www.ibtimes.com/after-womans-mysterious-death-mexico-resort-tourists-report-similar-incidents-2569086

[Travv]

" . . . The market for counterfeit alcohol in Mexico is driven in part by steep taxes on spirits —more than 53% in excise tax alone — and, in the case of tequila, the expense of producing it, Ancira said. . .

A longtime liquor store owner in Mexico, who did not want his name published, told the Journal Sentinel he is aware of counterfeiters who use industrial grade alcohol, such as paint thinner, in place of ethanol, and they mix it with tequila-flavored powder.

The fakes are also known to have methanol, he said. Methanol is a highly toxic, volatile liquid that smells like ethanol but can be deadly when ingested.

The liquor store owner said the counterfeiters come into his store every so often and try to sell it to him for half the price of the legitimate brands.

The counterfeit alcohol comes in authentic, recycled bottles that they've bought on the black market and refilled.

Demand for bottles to use for bootleg booze is so prevalent, the Mexican government encourages bars, restaurants and resorts to break their empty bottles so they can't be used illegally.

Many of the tourists who described blackouts said they had been drinking tequila. . . The mood was cheerful. Gordon and her boyfriend, both in their early 20's, chatted with a couple sitting on the stools nearby, when the bartender brought them two shots of tequila.

Neither can recall what happened next. They learned later from Gordon's parents, who were sitting poolside, that they had been escorted back to their room by security. They had both been throwing up. They both blacked out.

"We both thought it was strange" said Gordon. "Neither of us reacts like that to alcohol. . We felt way too sick for what we had to drink."

Must have been potent tequila, they figured. . . ".

http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/2017/07/28/amid-more-blackout-reports-mexico-says-take-action-tainted-alcohol-resorts/519101001/

Apparently the popular drink to spike with wood alcohol is Tequila. If you are a Tequila drinker, only drink from unopened bottles unless you don't mind "throwing up. . . And blacking out" or worse like going blind. . . From wood alcohol.

[Tinny2000]

Does it affect your visit (to HK and Tijuana)?

2017 is turning into bloodiest year in history.

Twenty-six people were murdered the first week of July in Tijuana for a total of 793 in the city and a total of 1,023 in the state of Baja for the course of the year. Most murders are associated with rival narcos disputing over territory killing either by gunshot wounds, strangulations, decapitations, or / and incinerations.

With the 19 murders recorded between Friday 4 and Monday, August 7, 2017, the statistics of violent deaths reached 947 events in Tijuana. 42 murders the first seven days of the month. 9 murders for Los Cabos for the same period. (Google translate).

[Travv]

I feel safer in Tijuana than I would in Chiraq aka Chicago or Detroilet. Like Chicago in the 1930's, the gangs are fighting over contraband. As long as you are not a player in the biz, Al Capone or El Chapo would leave you alone. In Tijuana, it is usually obvious that you are a tourist and the Tijuana city wants to protect its tourist business and you so that you return and spend more money. My guess is that the city and people of Tijuana have lost millions in tourist dollars from losing the US Navy guys on leave due to the cartel problems and the Tijuana politicians know that, which is why they cracked down on the yellow cabbies when they attacked tourists. Can you imagine Chicago or Detroit closing down the taxis due to tourist conflicts? Tijuana did it.


Does it affect your visit (to HK and Tijuana)?

2017 is turning into bloodiest year in history.

Twenty-six people were murdered the first week of July in Tijuana for a total of 793 in the city and a total of 1,023 in the state of Baja for the course of the year. Most murders are associated with rival narcos disputing over territory killing either by gunshot wounds, strangulations, decapitations, or / and incinerations.

With the 19 murders recorded between Friday 4 and Monday, August 7, 2017, the statistics of violent deaths reached 947 events in Tijuana. 42 murders the first seven days of the month. 9 murders for Los Cabos for the same period. (Google translate).

[Jackie888]

Anyone have a statistic on the number of Americans murdered in Tijuana each year?

[Hargow20]

The Zona is relatively safe now. But one has always keep a eye out for the bandito's. It is also important to try and keep up on crime trends in Tijuana as well. The Tijuana administration still needs to do a lot more to curb police corruption.


I feel safer in Tijuana than I would in Chiraq aka Chicago or Detroilet. Like Chicago in the 1930's, the gangs are fighting over contraband. As long as you are not a player in the biz, Al Capone or El Chapo would leave you alone. In Tijuana, it is usually obvious that you are a tourist and the Tijuana city wants to protect its tourist business and you so that you return and spend more money. My guess is that the city and people of Tijuana have lost millions in tourist dollars from losing the US Navy guys on leave due to the cartel problems and the Tijuana politicians know that, which is why they cracked down on the yellow cabbies when they attacked tourists. Can you imagine Chicago or Detroit closing down the taxis due to tourist conflicts? Tijuana did it.

[Wimble]

" . . . The market for counterfeit alcohol in Mexico is driven in part by steep taxes on spirits more than 53% in excise tax alone and, in the case of tequila, the expense of producing it, Ancira said. . .

A longtime liquor store owner in Mexico, who did not want his name published, told the Journal Sentinel he is aware of counterfeiters who use industrial grade alcohol, such as paint thinner, in place of ethanol, and they mix it with tequila-flavored powder.

The fakes are also known to have methanol, he said. Methanol is a highly toxic, volatile liquid that smells like ethanol but can be deadly when ingested.

The liquor store owner said the counterfeiters come into his store every so often and try to sell it to him for half the price of the legitimate brands.

The counterfeit alcohol comes in authentic, recycled bottles that they've bought on the black market and refilled.

Demand for bottles to use for bootleg booze is so prevalent, the Mexican government encourages bars, restaurants and resorts to break their empty bottles so they can't be used illegally..Guess that is why Clooney brewed his own tequila. Another thing to watch out for.

[Travv]

Expensive liquor like Tequila apparently is worth counterfeiting with refilled bottles and paint thinner and tequila flavored powder but cheap drinks like beer is not. Seems to me that cheap mixed drinks with vodka or rum (Cuba libres or daiquiris) or beer would be safe while expensive drinks like Tequila are the ones to worry about. If you wake up on the floor in a pool of vomit with a bad hangover, you'll know that you got a paint thinner shot of Tequila!


Guess that is why Clooney brewed his own tequila. Another thing to watch out for.

[Jackie888]

I no longer drink. But you guys can't smell the difference between Tequila and thinner? Tequila, even the cheap.

Stuff has a very distinct smell. So does thinner.

[Captain Solo]

I just added a car to the GOES card. Everything was done quickly on line, cost $42, approved by CBP after 2 days for immediate use, car inspection not required.

It's heartening to see our Federal government work efficiently, that it actually trusts a Joe Blow citizen, and the CBP goons actually hold the Captain in high regards for a change. Hehe.

[Captain Solo]

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2017/08/acapulco-mexicos-murder-capital-as.html#more.

[Wimble]

I no longer drink. But you guys can't smell the difference between Tequila and thinner? Tequila, even the cheap.

Stuff has a very distinct smell. So does thinner.If mixed, it is hard to tell. Over the years, I started with whiskey neat on all my travels. I had too many weird tasting drinks and bottles bought abroad. It is not fool proof because there was a recent fake reportedly sold at a reputable establishment. Alternatively, I go with local glass or can beer or wine.

[Dcrist0527]

Just a heads up and not sure what to make of it. There is a much heavier police / federale presence than I've ever seen in Zona Norte and Zona Centro. Checkpoints everywhere in Centro. Several chases. In Norte, the policia had several pickups and they were loading people up. Saw probably 20 arrested.

Talked to taxi drivers. One said there is just alot going on with the narcos but was nervous. Another said they are cleaning up the people living on the streets and causing problems.

As a gringo, nothing that affected my day. Just mention it. If you are on your first visit, it would be eye opening.

[WanderingMan]

Well this should make for an interesting weekend.


Just a heads up and not sure what to make of it. There is a much heavier police / federale presence than I've ever seen in Zona Norte and Zona Centro. Checkpoints everywhere in Centro. Several chases. In Norte, the policia had several pickups and they were loading people up. Saw probably 20 arrested.

Talked to taxi drivers. One said there is just alot going on with the narcos but was nervous. Another said they are cleaning up the people living on the streets and causing problems.

As a gringo, nothing that affected my day. Just mention it. If you are on your first visit, it would be eye opening..

[WombatEd2]

There is a much heavier police / federale presence than I've ever seen in Zona Norte and Zona Centro. Checkpoints everywhere in Centro. Several chases. In Norte, the policia had several pickups and they were loading people up. Saw probably 20 arrested.This afternoon, colonia Flores Magon and vicinity had more police pickups than I've seen in months. Maybe something going on city-wide?

[MongerHunger]

Murders in Tijuana this year has surpassed previous records.

More than 1000 homicides so far this year as of August 2017.

There is no sign of it slowing down but all the signs of the trend increasing. Read all about it.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/aug/29/stringers-more-tijuana-robberies-more-murder/%3famp&page=all

[Dcrist0527]

For what it's worth, and I am by no means a Tijuana vet. I've been here 6 weeks out of the last year. People seem on edge right now. Policia and federales are everywhere. I've seen over 100 arrested this week, in norte and centro. When I ask questions of locals, I get an uneasy silence or "no bueno". That said, I've not felt in danger whatsoever walking in zona norte or centro or walking between the two.


Murders in Tijuana this year has surpassed previous records.

More than 1000 homicides so far this year as of August 2017.

There is no sign of it slowing down but all the signs of the trend increasing. Read all about it.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/aug/29/stringers-more-tijuana-robberies-more-murder/%3famp&page=all

[Hargow20]

I was in Tijuana last night and the things seemed fairly normal. The police presence seemed about the same. Areas where there is a lot of tourist seem fairly safe. The danger is when the bandito's are active. There still is the random crime however. There was a report in the Reader that some guy walked into this diner about 5 blocks from the police station and robbed everyone. Apparently he walked in and demanded money form the owner with a gun. He also robbed all the customers as well (https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/aug/29/stringers-more-tijuana-robberies-more-murder/).

[Travv]

I was at the Banorte ATM near Revolucion two nights ago. The bank has 2 ATM booths with doors and one guy was using one of the ATMs, so I went in the other. As soon as I withdrew my funds, the other guy ran over from his ATM booth, barged into mine, and started demanding cash. Luckily I was able to get away from him, but for those using ATMs, you might want to carry one of those door jams you wedge into the door to keep wannabe thieves from coming in from behind while you are using the ATM. Like the poster below, things "looked" normal but the guy pretending to be an ATM customer was just waiting for someone else to use the other ATM booth. I used the Banorte ATM because I had earlier gotten a warning that the ATM by Valentina's Club was ripping off the ATM users. Probably a skimmer attached to drain their bank accounts, which is why I prefer to use bank ATMs for better security.


I was in Tijuana last night and the things seemed fairly normal. The police presence seemed about the same. Areas where there is a lot of tourist seem fairly safe. The danger is when the bandito's are active. There still is the random crime however. There was a report in the Reader that some guy walked into this diner about 5 blocks from the police station and robbed everyone. Apparently he walked in and demanded money form the owner with a gun. He also robbed all the customers as well (https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/aug/29/stringers-more-tijuana-robberies-more-murder/).

[EBoardbuilder]

Uber Driver warning. I was coming home from HK around 3 am took esp uber not English just for time reasons. Everything was normal till he passed the bridge and took me into an alley way no lights not people nothing. I took out my knife fearing for my life (please note I served in the army and have PTSD so when this shit happens I almost went into survival mode.) I told the driver what the * are you doing and other stuff I truly don't remember and he saw my weapon and told him very bluntly go to the boarder now. In short he did what I said and left the car and mexico fast so he couldn't go and lie to the policia and tell them I'm carrying. I called uber but they don't have a help line for mexico so sent emails and they said something close to we are sorry and won't charge you for the ride blah blah blah I could have been robber or worse and I would have done something I wound never want to do. I tried to find the plate and route to show you guys but uber quickly deleted this ride from my trips. So end of the story just be safe out there.

[ScatManDoo]

I was at the Banorte ATM near Revolucion two nights ago. The bank has 2 ATM booths with doors and one guy was using one of the ATMs, so I went in the other. As soon as I withdrew my funds, the other guy ran over from his ATM booth, barged into mine, and started demanding cash. Luckily I was able to get away from him, but for those using ATMs, you might want to carry one of those door jams you wedge into the door to keep wannabe thieves from coming in from behind while you are using the ATM. Like the poster below, things "looked" normal but the guy pretending to be an ATM customer was just waiting for someone else to use the other ATM booth. I used the Banorte ATM because I had earlier gotten a warning that the ATM by Valentina's Club was ripping off the ATM users. Probably a skimmer attached to drain their bank accounts, which is why I prefer to use bank ATMs for better security.I prefer to use the ATMs located in grocery stores like Calimax at 2nd & Constitution or the Sorianna grocery store on Revo between 3rd and 4th. I feel reasonably secure in that environment. Tough for rateros to hang out long-time next to the ATM machine and really tough for them to rob banking customers without interference from grocery employees.

I prefer the Sorianna (low 33 pesos fee) where they've placed the ATM in the pharmacy section. You can scope out and get a good view of the area before use while appearing to be shopping-good lines of sight and many nearby pharmacy and grocery store employees. Plus it is easy to break a 500 peso note right after by buying a drink or other grocery item.

[Travv]

August 31,2017 7:31 pm.

"Aug. 26-- Tijuana, Mexico-By the time the Red Cross ambulance pulled into a crowded apartment complex known as Torres del Lago, the man lying face down on a dirt lot was already dead.

Such scenes have been playing out largely in Tijuana's vast working-class neighborhoods in recent months as the violence rises to record levels. So far this year, there have been more than 1,025 victims, according to the Baja California Attorney General's Office, many of them believed to be connected in some way to the neighborhood drug trade.

The sum surpasses last year's total of 910, which had set a record for this city of some 1. 8 million residents. During just one week in August, 48 people lost their lives in homicides, nearly the same total of homicide victims in the city of San Diego all of last year.

The flood of victims has overwhelmed homicide investigators, leaving nearly 9 out of 10 crimes unsolved. The state medical examiner's office is struggling with too little space and too few staff as the bodies don't stop arriving and often linger for too long. The city's Red Cross, which responds to 98 percent of Tijuana's ambulance calls, has handled twice as many shootings as last year. In many cases, the victims are already dead by the time the ambulance arrives.

http://www.atlanticbb.net/news/read/category/International/article/the_san_diego_uniont-a_wave_of_homicides_overwhelms_tijuana-tca

Looks like the tourist areas are still safe but the "vast working-class neighborhoods" of Tijuana are the danger zones to avoid.

[Captain Solo]

Was in La Zona Friday night. I was driving with a wingman across the border, over El Chaparral check point, Calle 3, down town, then Calle Coahuila all the way to La Zona. Everything looked quiet and peaceful with only a few Policia Municipal pick up trucks with 1 or 2 arrestees in the back.

The mariscos guys said the murders are mostly low level drug dealers killing each other over turfs. The news reported the same. Without central control from large cartels, street dealers are killing each other to sell Meth to local addicts. Apparently with cheap domestic supplies, Mexico's drug demands are now higher than the US. A few weeks back I saw policia arrest 6 dealers selling drugs in hotel Cascada's back door. This week 3 different guys were back at the same spot, mumbling " quanto quanto," quickly exchanging drug pouches for cash.

The bros should monitor signs of violence advancing upon La Zona, and to stay away when the heat gets high. While in the bars, sit way away from the door ways and prepare to drop to the floor when the pops, pops start.

[WanderingMan]

Was in La Zona Friday night. I was driving with a wingman across the border, over El Chaparral check point, Calle 3, down town, then Calle Coahuila all the way to La Zona. Everything looked quiet and peaceful with only a few Policia Municipal pick up trucks with 1 or 2 arrestees in the back.

The mariscos guys said the murders are mostly low level drug dealers killing each other over turfs. The news reported the same. Without central control from large cartels, street dealers are killing each other to sell Meth to local addicts. Apparently with cheap domestic supplies, Mexico's drug demands are now higher than the US. A few weeks back I saw policia arrest 6 dealers selling drugs in hotel Cascada's back door. This week 3 different guys were back at the same spot, mumbling " quanto quanto," quickly exchanging drug pouches for cash.

The bros should monitor signs of violence advancing upon La Zona, and to stay away when the heat gets high. While in the bars, sit way away from the door ways and prepare to drop to the floor when the pops, pops start.It sounds like a good reason to have the call girls come to your hotel. I was in the Zona last night and never had anyone insinuate he wanted to sell Me any drugs. Perhaps the scenery was to enjoyable to care about them.

[WanderingMan]

While at Caesar's today one could hear many police rushing toward the arch. They police barricaded Calle Primara between Constitucion adn Revolucion with police tape. It appears as though a bar on the North side of the street and more toward Revolucion was the problem. After a quick walk of the zona and returning toward the hotel, white unmarked vans with sirens / lights were headed toward the area. Perhaps it's Tijuana's version of CSI.

[Jackie888]

For whatever reason it seems like the block where HK and Adelitas has the least crime. I am guessing that the clubs pay protection money to both the cops and the cartel. IMO, the zona is extremely dangerous. But it is relatively safe (safer) on that HK-Adelitas block once you make it there. Sort of like the eye of a hurricane.

[Bill]

An unconcious man bleeding from the head was blocking the zona norte alley last night. Everyone just waiting for an ambulance.

I also saw a regular street walker sitting on some Constitution steps. She was almost unrecognizeable because her face was blue and swollen on both sides.

It seemed she tried to smile but her busted lips and eyes would hardly move.. Really good street girl selection though.

[Captain Solo]

230 dead so far. Lots of destruction done to this poor country.

There has been a series of quakes along the Pacific coast in the last few months.

The big one may happen any time, anywhere on San Andreas fault, along most of California length from San Francisco, through LA, down to Salton Sea, severing Southern California from Mexico and La Zona Norte:

http://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-mexico-earthquake-20170920-story.html#nws=mcnewsletter.

[Jicks]

Your point is clear. Tijuana has been like this for last 3-4 years. I want to know the current situation compared to a year or 6 months ago.


Was in La Zona Friday night. I was driving with a wingman across the border, over El Chaparral check point, Calle 3, down town, then Calle Coahuila all the way to La Zona. Everything looked quiet and peaceful with only a few Policia Municipal pick up trucks with 1 or 2 arrestees in the back.

The mariscos guys said the murders are mostly low level drug dealers killing each other over turfs. The news reported the same. Without central control from large cartels, street dealers are killing each other to sell Meth to local addicts. Apparently with cheap domestic supplies, Mexico's drug demands are now higher than the US. A few weeks back I saw policia arrest 6 dealers selling drugs in hotel Cascada's back door. This week 3 different guys were back at the same spot, mumbling " quanto quanto," quickly exchanging drug pouches for cash.

The bros should monitor signs of violence advancing upon La Zona, and to stay away when the heat gets high. While in the bars, sit way away from the door ways and prepare to drop to the floor when the pops, pops start.

[Captain Solo]

In Las Vegas this weekend, a guy committed an act of extreme violence, shooting hundreds of random victims with automatic assault rifles at a country music concert across from Mandalay Bay Resort. At least 58 dead for now:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/02/us/las-vegas-shooter/index.html

The murders in Tijuana are mostly targeted between drug dealers. It may be safer to go to Tijuana for Mexican music, food and chicas.

[Captain Solo]

Re Dinotrex.

Take taxi from the border to HK or Adelita on the nice, clean, well-lighted and guarded Calle Coahuila. Stay around the bar block and the Callejon Coahuila (the alley behind HK and hotel Cascada). There are plenty of bars' security guards, meseros and touts hanging out day and night with video cameras. So that area is mostly safe from crime.

Any time, anywhere in Tijuana, only go where there are plenty of people. Don't walk into small alleys by yourself day or night. Walk near curbs or on the streets away from hiding places. Avoid talking to strangers who approach you on the streets. They may be selling drugs, and may set you up, or draw attention from policia. Don't take anyone's suggestion to [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) in public places, as their conniving policia friends would quickly zoom in on their bikes while your pants is still down and shake you down for illegal urination. If being searched by policia, hold all your cash and wallet in your hands so they cannot steal from you.

I had cash, wallets and other valuables outside safes in hotel Cascada with HK and street girls' companies all night and nothing has been stolen in all those years. One time I gave the wrong bills to a pretty street girls. 2 hours later, just to find out how she honestly would act, I demanded my change back. She quickly gave me back 200 pesos in excess. Just try that in other countries and see what happens hehe. She was very pretty and sexy. I posted her pics a few times.

You would be plenty safe in Tijuana if you act with cautions as if you were in downtown LOS Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Washington DC. Tijuana has lots of uniformed, auxiliary and plain clothed policia patrolling La Zona Norte. If in trouble just yell " Ayuda,! Ayuda! Rateros!" and do fight back. Just beat the shit out of any rateros.

Just don't go to any outdoor country music concert in Tijuana or any where in the US. Hehe.

[Sound7]

Re: Solo Tijuana Detox.

EtG reading with confirmation biomarkers esults are accepted by the courts in suspected DUI cases. Tiger wood nailed via biomarker testing. Suspected DUI.

Tijuana good option to detox to EtG to less than 500 level if driving to USA. Use other means of transportation to avoid the EtG 500 trap.

Google: EtG biomaker testing and results.

http://www.wardelab.com/19-3.html

[Sound7]

Costco unit $25 good for 100 plus tests with three individual blowers.

0.00 to 0.40 % BAC accuracy plus minus 0.00 to 0.01.

Good for Mexico no EtG testing (USA only).

Light weight key change. 40 gam (1.5 oz).

http://www.wardelab.com/19-3.html (EtG USA / California) optional testing.

DUI conviction and impact more than $25.00.

Re: Solo.

I had 3 beers in 3 hours in HK and got stopped by policia on the dark stretch of Benito Juarez corner of Negrete, where the road spits 3 ways. The pretty nurse let me blow into a breath analyzer and showed it to me. It measured 0.03% so she let me go. If Tijuana limit is 0.05 % I would have to knock down 5 drinks in 3 hours to exceed legal limit, or 9 drink for the 0. 08% limit the US. 4 other Mexicans were arrested, cars impounded, while their families hang out waiting in the dark.

[R]Alcohol Breath Analyzers [ / are]are sold in eBay for about $3. Don't know how accurate they are, but I will buy a few to hand out to friends and family.

For the bros to stay safe on the long drive to Tijuana.

[Hargow20]

Dinotrex.

It is important to constantly look to see who is walking behind you in Tijuana and especially the Zona. The Zona will seems safe and then the crime will start picking. When this happens the bandito's come out and police will be out looking shake guys down. Earlier this year the Rateros were hanging out on Constitucion and were jumping guys in front of the stores. The odd thing is that these guys looked fairly normal. So the lesson is to always keep your guard in Tijuana.

[Sound7]

Apple and Oranges; Tijuana and LV not in the same group. Macau and LV more similar. Dubai and LV?


In Las Vegas this weekend, a guy committed an act of extreme violence, shooting hundreds of random victims with automatic assault rifles at a country music concert across from Mandalay Bay Resort. At least 58 dead for now:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/02/us/las-vegas-shooter/index.html

The murders in Tijuana are mostly targeted between drug dealers. It may be safer to go to Tijuana for Mexican music, food and chicas.

[Captain Solo]

Comrade Sound7 is concerned the bros would get nailed for DUIs in Tijuana, get thrown in jail and get raped by La Zona's obese female Policia Commandante hehe.

Walmart has a breath analyzer accurate to 0.01 BAC for $7, good enough for me.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/2017-New-Digital-Alcohol-Breath-Tester-Breathalyzer-Analyzer-Detector-Test-Keychain-Breathalizer-Breathalyser-Device/596770981

Occasionally Tijuana policia would have an alcohol check point after midnight on Benito Juarez, 1 block West of Negrete, right before the street splits into 3 lanes to San Diego. If you see trucks flashing yellow lights near that corner, just get out of that street, go around that road block to get back to the border.

If I drink less than 5 beers in 5 hours, I would be legal in Tijuana. If not, I would crash in a Tijuana hotel and try to book a toda la noche with one of the pretty HK girls. Hehe.

Re. Sound7 Costco unit $25 good for 100 plus tests with three individual blowers.

0.00 to 0.40 % BAC accuracy plus minus 0.00 to 0.01.

Good for Mexico no EtG testing (USA only).

Light weight key change. 40 gam (1. 5 oz).

http://www.wardelab.com/19-3.html (EtG USA / California) optional testing.

DUI conviction and impact more than $25.00.

[Sound7]

Solo Tijuana DUI .04% BAC; California DUI, EtG testing likely. Be safe.


Comrade Sound7 is concerned the bros would get nailed for DUIs in Tijuana, get thrown in jail and get raped by La Zona's obese female Policia Commandante hehe.

Walmart has a breath analyzer accurate to 0.01 BAC for $7, good enough for me.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/2017-New-Digital-Alcohol-Breath-Tester-Breathalyzer-Analyzer-Detector-Test-Keychain-Breathalizer-Breathalyser-Device/596770981

Occasionally Tijuana policia would have an alcohol check point after midnight on Benito Juarez, 1 block West of Negrete, right before the street splits into 3 lanes to San Diego. If you see trucks flashing yellow lights near that corner, just get out of that street, go around that road block to get back to the border.

If I drink less than 5 beers in 5 hours, I would be legal in Tijuana. If not, I would crash in a Tijuana hotel and try to book a toda la noche with one of the pretty HK girls. Hehe..

[Captain Solo]

Friday night I had 2 patron tequila shots and 3 beers. Unlike other nights with just beers, the Tequila was giving me a buzz. We drove back to the border via Benito Juarez just before midnight.

From half a mile away, I saw the flashing yellow beacons at the 3-way split, so I know there was an alcohol check point. I was trying to turn away from Benito Juarez, but the dumb policias already erected barriers to block off all turns. About 2 dozens cars were heading into the checkpoint like fish floating into a death net. Damn.

Why do they have to do a check point on the night I tried Tequila? 2 policias were standing on either sides of the lane, but apparently they had not stopped any cars before mid night, as I saw no cars parked near the big truck with the pretty young nurse molesting guys with her breath analyzer.

Like last time, poiicias looked into our car with their flash lights, but we put on our Mormons' faces hehe, and cruised right past the cones towards the border. Gringos arriving after midnight were very likely to get pulled over for breath test.

Just to avoid this check point after midnight, I will probably go South on Revo into downtown Tijuana and cross over the river to Padre Kino for the SENTRI lanes, a little farther but safer.

Re. Sound7, Solo Tijuana DUI. 04% BAC; California DUI, EtG testing likely. Be safe.

[Hargow20]

Where did this happen. My guess is that you were slightly outside the Zona on Cohullia st. Cohullia can be dangerous at times. Hopefully this is not a new trend.


I was attacked by 7 people at once for my lousy wallet. A half block from Hong Kong. Be careful. Understand many things. If you are from America, Tijuana is no joke, especially the streets with the strip bars. I was attacked for my wallet by likely deportees. I almost died. I don't want to get into the details but I was 50 50 live or die. I had very little money on me. They all spoke perfect English. They must of been deportees, well dressed, looked like they were going to the regular night clubs and needed spending money. I didn't even drink and amazingly was only looking for a hotel because I missed the trolley. I have been on those streets before, and although not robbed, one girl in jeans, dressed like a girl at the office, also speaking English tried to get me to her motel room, I told her ID look but wasn't in mood till I drank. I got to the room the guy was in the room I bet her plan was to get me in the room, call him, then I get robbed. So I dodged that bullet. Really its a lot of bullets to dodge. The place is super exciting and my depression and lack of happiness in my own life had me going back for more till I got mugged and almost killed. That was a few months ago. Also the police will put you up against the van and pat you down often. I spent maybe 6 nights in Tijuana maybe 4 other 4 hour trips, in that time got mugged patted down by police twice. Police didn't take my money. They spoke nicely to me but they were hoping I had drugs or weapons. Essentially the issue is the deportees, they get dropped off, many don't speak Spanish, they have nothing to go to other then rob people. If you go to Tijuana, best to have a secret pocket sewn into pants for the passport, and some money to make it back to the border, and more money in other pockets, they will steal your sweater off you as well. No joke. Overall Mexico I loved and all I got to see was Tijuana revolucion and the strip bars. . But I loved the food, the tacos, the flea market, seeing Mexicans and only Mexicans, I rarely saw Americans walking around, it really felt like and country which I never got that feeling with Canada or Bahamas. 20 dollar hotels. Also don't walk from the border. I did a few times and shouldn't of. My whole life changed from this mugging I had never had anyone lay their hands on me before and now I don't even go to bars in the states because I realized I'm not tall enough to handle drunk guys. Hong Kong staff was good, really all the staff was good, the smaller bars were fine also. If a bar is quiet and not full of customers, you should avoid it, safety in numbers.

[ScatManDoo]

I was attacked by 7 people at once for my lousy wallet. A half block from Hong Kong. Be careful. Understand many things. If you are from America, Tijuana is no joke, especially the streets with the strip bars. I was attacked for my wallet by likely deportees. I almost died. I don't want to get into the details but I was 50 50 live or die. I had very little money on me. They all spoke perfect English. They must of been deportees, well dressed, looked like they were going to the regular night clubs and needed spending money. I didn't even drink and amazingly was only looking for a hotel because I missed the trolley. I have been on those streets before, and although not robbed, one girl in jeans, dressed like a girl at the office, also speaking English tried to get me to her motel room, I told her ID look but wasn't in mood till I drank. I got to the room the guy was in the room I bet her plan was to get me in the room, call him, then I get robbed. So I dodged that bullet. Really its a lot of bullets to dodge. The place is super exciting and my depression and lack of happiness in my own life had me going back for more till I got mugged and almost killed. That was a few months ago. Also the police will put you up against the van and pat you down often. I spent maybe 6 nights in Tijuana maybe 4 other 4 hour trips, in that time got mugged patted down by police twice. Police didn't take my money. They spoke nicely to me but they were hoping I had drugs or weapons. Essentially the issue is the deportees, they get dropped off, many don't speak Spanish, they have nothing to go to other then rob people. If you go to Tijuana, best to have a secret pocket sewn into pants for the passport, and some money to make it back to the border, and more money in other pockets, they will steal your sweater off you as well. No joke. Overall Mexico I loved and all I got to see was Tijuana revolucion and the strip bars. . But I loved the food, the tacos, the flea market, seeing Mexicans and only Mexicans, I rarely saw Americans walking around, it really felt like and country which I never got that feeling with Canada or Bahamas. 20 dollar hotels. Also don't walk from the border. I did a few times and shouldn't of. My whole life changed from this mugging I had never had anyone lay their hands on me before and now I don't even go to bars in the states because I realized I'm not tall enough to handle drunk guys. Hong Kong staff was good, really all the staff was good, the smaller bars were fine also. If a bar is quiet and not full of customers, you should avoid it, safety in numbers.You seem to be a bit confused, so I will honor your desire to "not get into the details" as I suspect your details won't shed much light or clarity.

You visited a different Tijuana than the one I am familiar with. In the La Zona that I know, the only "well dressed deportees" seem to mostly be hawkers trying to get me into entering the lousy Tijuana bars or the rip-off Mermaids massage parlor. Muggers tend to work in groups of one or two, not seven "well dressed" rateros all attaching the same poor & crazy sex tourist.

But keep dodging those bullets!

[Hargow20]

It important to never let your guard down and constantly look to see who is behind you in the Zona. Everyone needs to keep posting any recent news. I would not be surprised if the Rateros started jumping guys on Constitucion again.


On weekends revolucion has a few thousand club goers. Its a 1 minute walk to the strip club area. I think a lot of it has to do with your height. If you are tall they won't pick you. I'm short but they were all shorter than me. It was men and woman that's why I think it was just a quick grab on the way to the clubs. People get robbed in America also so it can happen anyplace but the point is you are being watched once you walk out of Hong Kong to view the scene. Being careful doesn't help because if you fight back it won't end well. The only thing you can do is hide the passport make sure you have health insurance for foreign country.

[Phordphan]

Interesting thread content the last couple of days.

A new-be to the board missed the trolley. So this puts the timeline somewhere past 1 am. Let's say around 2 am, to give him time to get back from the trolley station to the ZN and do some wandering.

He's wandering around the ZN looking for a $20 hotel for the night (But not in the only marginally habitable hotels, like Coahula, Cascadas or Rizo). We're "half a block" from HK, although the location is very vague. But we've all walked that area. So, I assume we're looking for a hotel along Constitucion? <shudder>. Yes, I realize this sounds insane to most of us, but it must be true. It's posted on the Internet.

We're now mugged by a gang of 7(!) rateros. Well dressed rateros. Including women rateros, presumably well dressed also. I guess on their way to a club. They could have been non-Spanish speaking deportees (I've never met a deportee who didn't speak Spanish, but they must exist, as apparently they are out mugging tourists.).

Now we're all glad that OP is alive and well. I'm guessing that the experience so traumatized him that the events became muddled and difficult to recall. I would never suggest that such a tale is made from whole cloth. I was gently reprimanded on the "other" board when posting my thoughts about a similar poster, who had a similar fantabulous tale, with similarly vague details.

It remains for those seeking information about the dangers of Tijuana to determine fact and fantasy.

[Baxter Slade]

I wish I could give you a like Phordphan.

My thoughts exactly someun doesn't sound right.

[Dcrist0527]

I'll add my 2 cents. I won't wade into the fantasy vs. Fact. But I will relay my story. I'm a guy who has never traveled to Tijuana with anyone else. More often than not, I walk to ZN, over the bridge. Granted, I'm a big guy. By Mexican standards, I suppose 5'11" is tall. I'm also a bit overweight (& wonder if that makes me more or less of a target).

I would just ditto what was already said. Keep your head on a swivel. I've never seen anything like 7 rateros jumping someone. I had one incident personally, where I was certain I was going to be mugged by 2 guys. I followed advice I read here and kept one eye on the back of my head. So I saw it coming. I turned and walked towards them (my thought was. OK at least going to know what's coming). I looked them right in the eye and they backed off.

My point, be aware. I'm 100% certain they were going to jump me if I didn't face them. (This was near the ZN side of the bridge, about 9 PM. Between Piri and Revolucion. Not my smartest move!

[Hargow20]

The pedestrian bridge is fairly safe. I have only had one incident where this one guy walked behind me and demanded money from me in all my years of crossing the river. Luckily he only got $20. The main thing is to try and walk with other people and constantly look to see who is behind you. There is video cameras on the bridge, but not so sure how often the cops monitor them.


I'll add my 2 cents. I won't wade into the fantasy vs. Fact. But I will relay my story. I'm a guy who has never traveled to Tijuana with anyone else. More often than not, I walk to ZN, over the bridge. Granted, I'm a big guy. By Mexican standards, I suppose 5'11" is tall. I'm also a bit overweight (& wonder if that makes me more or less of a target).

I would just ditto what was already said. Keep your head on a swivel. I've never seen anything like 7 rateros jumping someone. I had one incident personally, where I was certain I was going to be mugged by 2 guys. I followed advice I read here and kept one eye on the back of my head. So I saw it coming. I turned and walked towards them (my thought was. OK at least going to know what's coming). I looked them right in the eye and they backed off.

My point, be aware. I'm 100% certain they were going to jump me if I didn't face them. (This was near the ZN side of the bridge, about 9 PM. Between Piri and Revolucion. Not my smartest move!

[MongerHunger]

Is it safer to walk from revolucion in order to not be telling the cabbie that you've at least 120 dollars on you? When they here Hong Kong they assume on average you have 250 dollars on you. I wonder if its bad idea. If you walk from revolution you can get jumped. For 2 dollars its worth their time to jump you.Breakdown your cash to smaller bills before crossing the border. Also make sure you get some pesos too before crossing over. Why would you tell a cabbie about any amount of money that you have? That's your business. Who assumes people at HK have $250 on them at any given time? Where are you getting this information from? I think that you are too paranoid. Just relax, move methodically and deliberately, be certain and decisive, add chicas, mix / stir, consume and have fun.

[Captain Solo]

You can renew your Global entry card within 1 year ahead of your expire date. So I went ahead and did it early to make sure Tijuana chicas won't go crazy without their regular orgasms hehe.

Applied on line, paid $100, added another car for free. 1 week later I got a new GE card in the mail, good for another 6 years, no interview, no inspection required.

State Dept must be very happy with my culture exchange program with the chicas of Mexcico.

[WombatEd2]

You can renew your Global entry card within 1 year ahead of your expire date. So I went ahead and did it early to make sure Tijuana chicas won't go crazy without their regular orgasms hehe.

Applied on line, paid $100, added another car for free. 1 week later I got a new GE card in the mail, good for another 6 years, no interview, no inspection required.

State Dept must be very happy with my culture exchange program with the chicas of Mexcico.With that card, when you're driving, which line do you go through? Ready Lane, SENTRI, or?

[Captain Solo]

Average crossing time 15 minutes day or night, week days or week ends.

Re. WombatEd2 With that card, when you're driving, which line do you go through? Ready Lane, SENTRI, or?

[Captain Solo]

For me Tijuana is way too hot and gritty in the daytime without the sexy appeals of night time. Friday left HK and got to the border at about 1 PM.

There were long lines of cars waiting, but SENTRI lanes were moving fast with the exception of the bus lane to the right. The bus lane was blocked by a red Mini Cooper being stopped and inspected by 4 CBPs right after it entered the US, passed the border demarcation bumps. CBP was going through her trunk. A poor girl was sitting in the car. Her face grew long in extreme desperation, like she was thinking of spending the next 10 to 15 years of her life in prison.

A CBP pair slowly escorted her car into the secondary inspection hangar. Looked like they got information and was waiting for her. I felt really sad for the poor girl. Lots of informants and ugliness go on near and across the border. One can easily be set up and get crushed in the criminal system. If you ever get a glimpse at the massive and frightening organizations the federal government has put in place to fight terrorists and smugglers, you would never want to fuck with federal law enforcement.

I got to the booth. The bearded CBP guy asked if I had anything to declare and quickly waved me through. Total wait time at the border was 10 minutes. I suspect the Fed already secretly nominated me for a medal as the most law-abiding citizen of the year hehe.

Mid day Friday, the line of cars going South on I5 to Mexico for the long weekend stretched out about 5 miles, inching along at about 10 MPH.

[Phordphan]

On the way in I avoided stamp by going through Mexico line. I don't want to fill my passport up on stamps each time. The Mexican woman the first time said I could buy that six month pass and avoid stamps. Not sure the details beyond that. Got patted down coming back to America on foot on a quiet night with no line. Not even 9 pm. Border patrol was grumpy. Didn't ask where I went as far as strip clubs, I had on jeans and t-shirt. He was so determined to find drugs as bas as the Mexican police but at least with the Mexican police I was ready for it. When this guy said to empty my pockets and put my hands up. I was shocked and when I didn't empty them in full cause I was fumbling my money he got all cranky like I'm a prison inmate.The CBP agent checked your passport and then patted you down on the spot?

[Artisttyp]

The CBP agent checked your passport and then patted you down on the spot?It's happened to me before.

[Dg8787]

You can renew your Global entry card within 1 year ahead of your expire date. So I went ahead and did it early to make sure Tijuana chicas won't go crazy without their regular orgasms hehe.

Applied on line, paid $100, added another car for free. 1 week later I got a new GE card in the mail, good for another 6 years, no interview, no inspection required.

State Dept must be very happy with my culture exchange program with the chicas of Mexcico.Thanks for the info that you can renew GE 1 year in advance. I had thought it was 90 days only. Just finished online renewal and it said they will notify me about coming in for interview.

[SBeach25]

On the way in I avoided stamp by going through Mexico line. I don't want to fill my passport up on stamps each time. The Mexican woman the first time said I could buy that six month pass and avoid stamps. Not sure the details beyond that. Got patted down coming back to America on foot on a quiet night with no line. Not even 9 pm. Border patrol was grumpy. Didn't ask where I went as far as strip clubs, I had on jeans and t-shirt. He was so determined to find drugs as bas as the Mexican police but at least with the Mexican police I was ready for it. When this guy said to empty my pockets and put my hands up. I was shocked and when I didn't empty them in full cause I was fumbling my money he got all cranky like I'm a prison inmate.The passport card will avoid any future crossings for stamps. As for the 6 month visa, if you plan on going more than 5 times in 6 months, get the visa. Its like $27 from what I remember and you can just walk over on the mexican line to avoid the delay when you enter PedEast. They will stamp the visa and no longer stamp your passport.

[Jicks]

Use google translator.

http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/informacion/noticias/1/22/policiaca/2017/11/26/1044929/homicidios-y-robos-imparables-en-tijuana

[Travv]

Zerohedge: "Mexico Suffers Deadliest Year Ever: Violence Hits Cabo, Tourist Havens".

"Local authorities near the beautiful tourist town of Los Cabos on the Baja California peninsula found six bodies suspended from three different bridges this week.

Authorities did not want to comment on the details surrounding how the men got onto the bridges, but Reuters suspects "drug gangs", who often hang the bodies of their murdered rivals in public for intimidation purposes.

According to official data in November, there were more murders in October in Mexico than any other month over the past 20-years.

The latest spree of violent crime has surged in Baja California, especially around the multi-national resorts of Los Cabos, with yearly visits attracting more than one million foreigners. To make matters worse, LOS Cabos police chief Juan Manuel Mayorga was assassinated last week, as the once calm resort town descends into chaos.

Hotel Prices in Los Cabos (as of 12-21-17) have collapsed amid the violence spiraling out of control in the area."

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-22/mexico-suffers-deadliest-year-ever-violence-threatens-tourist-havens

Good news: Cheap vacations and hotel rooms available now! Bad news: Bodies hanging from bridges may spoil your view of the scenic areas.

[Hargow20]

Thank for update. The crime trends are important because when there is more gang wars the street crime increases as well. Just use keep your guard up and use due caution all.


Zerohedge: "Mexico Suffers Deadliest Year Ever: Violence Hits Cabo, Tourist Havens".

"Local authorities near the beautiful tourist town of Los Cabos on the Baja California peninsula found six bodies suspended from three different bridges this week.

Authorities did not want to comment on the details surrounding how the men got onto the bridges, but Reuters suspects "drug gangs", who often hang the bodies of their murdered rivals in public for intimidation purposes.

According to official data in November, there were more murders in October in Mexico than any other month over the past 20-years.

The latest spree of violent crime has surged in Baja California, especially around the multi-national resorts of Los Cabos, with yearly visits attracting more than one million foreigners. To make matters worse, LOS Cabos police chief Juan Manuel Mayorga was assassinated last week, as the once calm resort town descends into chaos.

Hotel Prices in Los Cabos (as of 12-21-17) have collapsed amid the violence spiraling out of control in the area."

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-22/mexico-suffers-deadliest-year-ever-violence-threatens-tourist-havens

Good news: Cheap vacations and hotel rooms available now! Bad news: Bodies hanging from bridges may spoil your view of the scenic areas.

[Captain Solo]

Looks like the New Generation and Sinaloa cartels are murdering each other to use Baja California to smuggle drugs, as the inland routes between Sinaloa and the US border are saturated and fiercely fought over.

http://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-mexico-los-cabos-violence-20170901-htmlstory.html

Drugs are likely ferried over the 100 mile width of Sea of Cortez from LOS Mochis (El Chapo's home town) or Cuilacan, then driven up North via the single route connecting Cabo San Lucas, La Paz to Tijuana and Mexicali.

It's sad Los Cabos police chief Juan Manuel Mayorga was shot dead last week. He was probably resisting being bought to work for the cartels. Mexico has to clap down a lot harder on smuggling and possession of automatic weapons, and expands undercover and financial investigations into the cartels.

[Hargow20]

Crime gang violence will always be. A problem until police and govt corruption is brought under control. Ultimately believe that some sort of outside agency that has the power will help the problem. This is something that the Mexican govt will ever agree to. Hopefully we will not see another uptick in ratero and police corruption in the zona



Looks like the New Generation and Sinaloa cartels are murdering each other to use Baja California to smuggle drugs, as the inland routes between Sinaloa and the US border are saturated and fiercely fought over.

http://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-mexico-los-cabos-violence-20170901-htmlstory.html

Drugs are likely ferried over the 100 mile width of Sea of Cortez from LOS Mochis (El Chapo's home town) or Cuilacan, then driven up North via the single route connecting Cabo San Lucas, La Paz to Tijuana and Mexicali.

It's sad Los Cabos police chief Juan Manuel Mayorga was shot dead last week. He was probably resisting being bought to work for the cartels. Mexico has to clap down a lot harder on smuggling and possession of automatic weapons, and expands undercover and financial investigations into the cartels.

[Captain Solo]

El Pirata de Culiacáand was shot to death with 15 bullets by 4 or 5 armed guys in a Jalisco bar.

Reportedly he had posted insulting messages in Instagram, inviting El Mencho, head of Jalisco's New Generation cartel, to jack him off. In Mexico's macho culture, there are no worse insults than calling someone a fag, especially the violent and murderous cartels' head honchos.

The kid was also arrested in Las Pulgas club in Tijuana for under-aged drinking the week before that.

Stupid guy played with snakes and he got bit.

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/did-el-menchos-cartel-murder-a-youtube-star-w514489

[Captain Solo]

I was driving back with a wingman midnight Tuesday last week. On Benito Juarez near O Campo, policia set up an alcohol check point checking cars returning to San Diego. This time there was no flashing yellow beacons and red cones. We just fell into it without warning.

2 cops were shining flash light into my car, asking lots of questions in rapid Spanish. Not understanding him, I kept saying 'no comprende. ' then finally 'San Diego. ' They let us go. I am guessing they were trying to smell alcohol breath and looking for slurred speech.

This Friday midnight I was driving back on Calle 1 near hotel Velario. A patrol car was in front of me but pulled over to the curb. I suspected they wanted me to pass then follow. Exactly what happened. They pulled out, followed me then turn on their flashing beacons on the dark stretch of F Martinez.

2 guys approached my car wearing no name tags. I was extremely pissed off, asking the cop in loud, angry voice ' Que pasa? Que pasa?' he had worried looks on his face, asking ' Are you angry, sir?' I was yelling ' I am not angry. Why you pulled me over?' he looked worried ' I just want to check your plate. ' I gave him the business card for Tijuana's director of Internal Affairs, Maricela Partida, with the car registration, telling him I am an abogado. He asked if I work in Tijuana, I said 'yes. ' The guy now looked desperate, like he was lined up in front of a firing squad. He quickly checked the car registration then told me it was good. There was no body search. Everything happened in less than 1 minute. He turned his patrol car around quickly and sped off.

I will write letters to complain to Tijuana's internal affairs about bullshit police stops. When stopped by policia, stand your ground. Don't let the abuse or take advantage of you. There is nothing they can do to you.

[Hargow20]

It was a dumb thing to do. But this should be lesson to us all just how dangerous Mexico can be.


El Pirata de Culiacand was shot to death with 15 bullets by 4 or 5 armed guys in a Jalisco bar.

Reportedly he had posted insulting messages in Instagram, inviting El Mencho, head of Jalisco's New Generation cartel, to jack him off. In Mexico's macho culture, there are no worse insults than calling someone a fag, especially the violent and murderous cartels' head honchos.

The kid was also arrested in Las Pulgas club in Tijuana for under-aged drinking the week before that.

Stupid guy played with snakes and he got bit.

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/did-el-menchos-cartel-murder-a-youtube-star-w514489

[Travv]

I seem to remember some news about actor James Olmos making a movie called "American Me" which resulted in two movie consultants being whacked and the director and actor James Olmos were targeted by assassins also. Insulting gangs, gang leaders or politicians in the USA can be dangerous to one's health also. Just ask Seth Rich or Vince Foster about Fort Marcy Park!


It was a dumb thing to do. But this should be lesson to us all just how dangerous Mexico can be.

[MongerHunger]

The latest information about the California City Official murdered in Mexico.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.foxnews.com/us/2017/12/30/california-city-official-is-gunned-down-while-vacationing-in-mexico.amp.html

[Captain Solo]

A high percentage of prostitutes in Mexico are hard-core drugs addicts. A hot girl in Tropical would sneak out to the back alley every half hour, between fichas, to smoke crack. They would steal or even kill to support their habits.

It was not smart to let them steal his money, then got beaten up and murdered for a small amount of money. While I never had anything stolen from me in Mexico in the last 17 years, I will always keep my wallet with me or within eyesight, even with girls I have known for years, just so there are no suspicion or misunderstandings.

Try to resolve conflicts with chicas nicely and not let them escalate to the shouting, threatening stages. It's far better to stay alive to fuck 3 or 4 sweet, hot young girls a night than lying butt naked in a cold, filthy morgue.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2018/01/gro-suspect-arrested-in-american-ixtapa.html#more.

GRO: Suspect arrested in American Ixtapa Beach murder, argument over theft.

Prostitute, stolen money, led to murder.

The man who allegedly shot and killed California city official, Douglas Scott Bradley, on December 28 in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo was arrested in this capital, Guerrero's Attorney General, Xavier Olea said.

The director of Administrative Services in the city of Imperial Beach in California, according to Olea, was reportedly killed after having an argument with a bar worker who he accused of stealing money.

The 50-year-old official would have been in the bar 40-20, where he hired the sex services of a woman named Africa or Keila and with whom he went to a hotel.

However, according to the Prosecutor, Bradley had an altercation with the woman and went back to bar 40-20 denouncing the theft and demanding the return of his money.

At the bar there erupted several altercations by employees of the bar and clients, and when leaving the business he was followed by an individual, who shot to him.

The alleged murderer, identified as Isidro "and" alias "El Chiro", used a. 45 caliber pistol to kill his victim, whom he shot at a distance of between three or four meters.

[NegotiateHard]

Try to resolve conflicts with chicas nicely and not let them escalate to the shouting, threatening stages. It's far better to stay alive to fuck 3 or 4 sweet, hot young girls a night than lying butt naked in a cold, filthy morgue.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2018/01/gro-suspect-arrested-in-american-ixtapa.html#more.

GRO: Suspect arrested in American Ixtapa Beach murder, argument over theft.

Prostitute, stolen money, led to murder.Being that far away from the USA Put this man at a huge disadvantage IMO. In places like HK, you do tend do read many stories of problems being resolved smoothly between loud, unsatisfied customers and management. However, when you are this far from home and especially if you don't speak the language (I'm only assuming that he didn't speak Spanish but who knows?) you are getting yourself into problems. Guerrero is not a state where you want to mess around, especially in 2018. Complaining and demanding money back may work out in some places in Tijuana, but I can picture how bad it could get in a place that far from the border where Gringos are in small numbers and there are lots of crazy guys ready to pull a trigger than work out the problem.

[Captain Solo]

This guy worked in San Diego but lived in Las Playas, Tijuana. He spoke Spanish and was an experienced monger, probably hung out in HK a few nights a week after work. He lived in and was very familiar with Mexico. I hate to speculate what he did to escalate it into a murder. I heard complaints from locals that Mexican Americans tend to act rude and haughty towards them. When in Mexico, it's wise not to act lordly, arrogant, aggressive towards locals in places where macho criminals hang out with guns. They are not known to be God-fearing, law-abiding civilized people and likely enjoy blowing someone's head out just for fun and excitement.

Ixtapa and Zihuantanejo used to cater to upscale tourists with exclusive, ritzy resorts. But Alcapulco, Cancun, Cabos, PV, all tourist resorts and the back lands have turned into brutal and bloody war zones wherever drug cartels sell or manufacture drugs. If you hang out on Mexico beaches, there will be droves of men, women, children coming by, asking you if you want to buy anything or drugs. Damn. Drugs use and sales are everywhere in Mexico and they turn people into beasts.

Just my opinion, Tijuana is not safer or more civilized than other towns. Last time I overheard a dispute in hotel Cascada between a bro, a HK girl, HK managers and security guards, the arguments were very loud and heated by both sides. I would suggest that the bros write down names of chicas and HK give the chicas an ID number with names, so we know whom we are dealing with. If you have a serious conflict, bring it down to the management at the bar, in front of a lot of people and dozens of security camera, so the incidents can be recorded in front of witnesses. You can tell them to call in policia to get the facts down in police records. The disruption and notorieties with the inconvenience to the bar will give them incentives to settle quickly.

The bros should ask for a check of the chicas' health inspection cards. Get their names down so they cannot screw you then get off easily. Share names of problem girls so others won't run into the same problems, and to keep the rest of the chicas honest. Chicas who cause problems are usually fired by the bars.

Re. NegotiateHard.

Being that far away from the USA Put this man at a huge disadvantage IMO. In places like HK, you do tend do read many stories of problems being resolved smoothly between loud, unsatisfied customers and management. However, when you are this far from home and especially if you don't speak the language (I'm only assuming that he didn't speak Spanish but who knows?) you are getting yourself into problems. Guerrero is not a state where you want to mess around, especially in 2018. Complaining and demanding money back may work out in some places in Tijuana, but I can picture how bad it could get in a place that far from the border where Gringos are in small numbers and there are lots of crazy guys ready to pull a trigger than work out the problem.

[Hargow20]

I agree this should be lesson to all of us to keep our guard up at all times in Mexico. The unfortunate fact is that many Mexican's view us as rich gringo's that are a opportunity to rob, scam and or extort money from us. The best thing to do is to avoid violence.


Being that far away from the USA Put this man at a huge disadvantage IMO. In places like HK, you do tend do read many stories of problems being resolved smoothly between loud, unsatisfied customers and management. However, when you are this far from home and especially if you don't speak the language (I'm only assuming that he didn't speak Spanish but who knows?) you are getting yourself into problems. Guerrero is not a state where you want to mess around, especially in 2018. Complaining and demanding money back may work out in some places in Tijuana, but I can picture how bad it could get in a place that far from the border where Gringos are in small numbers and there are lots of crazy guys ready to pull a trigger than work out the problem.

[Travv]

"All five states- Tamaulipas on the USA Border and Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan and Guerrero on the Pacific coast- are hotspots of drug cartel activity, either hosting trafficking routes or extensive drug-crop cultivation.

The new warning system designates the states as a "level 4" risk, the highest level of potential danger. Mexico as a whole has a level 2 rating, meaning Americans should "exercise increased caution" because of concerns about crime. But an additional 11 Mexican states got a level 3 warning Wednesday, which urges people to "reconsider travel" there. Mexico has 31 states in all. . ."

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/01/10/us-slaps-highest-level-do-not-travel-warning-on-five-mexican-states.html

[Long Don Silva]

Don't kid yourself. Saying you will keep your guard up helps very little. When they want to snatch you off the street or put you on the floor they will do it from behind you won't see it coming. It won't involve a long argument or any words at all to warn you about upcoming danger. All you can do is hide the passport asume everything else will get taken.This is why you always keep your head on a swivel, walk confidently, and make it obvious you're aware of your surroundings. These guys are likely to focus on easy pickings and this will make you appear like you're not worth the trouble.

[Hargow20]

This is precisely what I was referring too. Perhaps I should have been more clear. I constantly look to see who is behind me.


This is why you always keep your head on a swivel, walk confidently, and make it obvious you're aware of your surroundings. These guys are likely to focus on easy pickings and this will make you appear like you're not worth the trouble.

[Dcrist0527]

I think what you and LongDon said is the best advice. Make it clear, by the way you carry yourself, you are not a target. Be alert, do not shy away from eye contact. Just don't act scared. Anything can happen anywhere. But if you use common sense and don't have the appearance of fear, I don't feel Tijuana is any more dangerous to gringo tourists than any other big city.


This is precisely what I was referring too. Perhaps I should have been more clear. I constantly look to see who is behind me.

[Hargow20]

When comparing big cities. I think Tijuana is much more dangerous than San Diego. There is much greater likelihood of getting robbed or mugged in Tijuana than SD. It does happen sometimes in SD. But there is very few places that I feel unsafe walking at night. Now that said I believe that the Zona safer since the beginning of the year. The has arrested or scared off most of the ratero's that hanging out in the Zona. Some of the ratero's were jumping people on Constucion by the alley in broad daylight at times. The danger is when the violence is starts picking up. Many people are caught by surprise and robbed or worse. !! For now the Zona appears reasonably safe. But it is always a good idea to stay aware.


I think what you and LongDon said is the best advice. Make it clear, by the way you carry yourself, you are not a target. Be alert, do not shy away from eye contact. Just don't act scared. Anything can happen anywhere. But if you use common sense and don't have the appearance of fear, I don't feel Tijuana is any more dangerous to gringo tourists than any other big city.

[Dcrist0527]

Fair point. I overstated the safety. I had LA, Chicago, NY in mind. Only trying to reassure others that, if you are smart, aware, use common sense, etc, it's not as though you are doomed when you step into Mexico. Your advice was spot on. Be aware and alert.


When comparing big cities. I think Tijuana is much more dangerous than San Diego. There is much greater likelihood of getting robbed or mugged in Tijuana than SD.

[Hargow20]

Yes that's true the other thing to remember is that in most of the time crime trends to do not necessarily lead to a increase in violence in the Zona. But many other times it does lead to a increase in violence and muggings etc. When there is sharp spike in cartel wars the bandito's will become more active. The other issue is that police extortion will often rise as well. Thankfully the police have been shaking people as much lately.


Fair point. I overstated the safety. I had LA, Chicago, NY in mind. Only trying to reassure others that, if you are smart, aware, use common sense, etc, it's not as though you are doomed when you step into Mexico. Your advice was spot on. Be aware and alert.

[Travv]

For those unwilling to simply be mugged by Rateros, this traveler has some tips: " . . . Since guns are not recommended, the most effective weapon for most travelers is a knife. Knives can be legally brought into almost every third world country in checked luggage. Unless the knife is massive in size or the traveler has dozens of them in his luggage, customs officials rarely look twice if they see a knife when searching your bags.

Even though it's rare that carrying a knife into a country would be questioned, the traveler should still have a believable "justification" for the presence of the knife in the event that customs or law enforcement officers ask you why you are carrying a blade. "Self-defense" is never a good justification to use with corrupt third world officials. Remember, most people in foreign countries don't have the same "right" to self-protection as they do here in the USA. It's best to have a more innocuous reason for carrying the knife.

I generally carry a Spyderco "Salt" folder when I travel. The knife is made of a special type of stainless steel that does a phenomenal job resisting salt water. Thus, I have a handy justification for my blade; it's my "diving knife. " That excuse has worked for me no matter where I have traveled. "Dive knives" are commonplace and cause no additional scrutiny. You could even get by with a larger fixed blade knife so long as it looked like it had marine applications. Other "justifications" could be that you are going "camping in the jungle" or that the knife is your "cooking knife. " No matter what justification you choose, have a ready answer for when the cops ask you about the blade. "Cutting throats" is not generally recommended.

With that said, the chance of getting caught and / or arrested when carrying a knife in a third world country is next to zero. If you are smart about carrying the blade, you won't get caught. If you do get caught, you'll usually be able to pay off the cop who catches you to avoid going to jail. I've only been caught with a knife one time in all of my travels when I had to go through a metal detector unexpectedly in Peru. I gave the knife to the cop. He pocketed it and that was the end of the issue. . . ".

Full article: http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/weapons-and-carry-methods-for-foreign-travel.


Fair point. I overstated the safety. I had LA, Chicago, NY in mind. Only trying to reassure others that, if you are smart, aware, use common sense, etc, it's not as though you are doomed when you step into Mexico. Your advice was spot on. Be aware and alert.

[Travv]

"Mexico posted its highest homicide rate in decades, with the government reporting Sunday there were 29,168 murders in 2017.

The number is the highest since comparable records began being kept in 1997 and is also higher than the peak year of Mexico's drug war in 2011, when there were 27,213 murders. The Interior Department, which posted the number, reported the country's homicide rate was 20.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2017, compared to 19.4 in 2011 . . . "

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mexico-record-homicide-rate-1.4497466

Avoid drug dealers and back alleys. . . And stay in tourist areas.