Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Amerioca]

I must agree with CJ on his current safety / risk assessment of Tijuana. Keep your nose clean, stay low, and stay fast. There are far worse places of unpredictability, including cities CONUS.

My last time fined was approx. 25 years ago, $20, for pissing in an alley. It was during Spring Break, back when the city shut down Revo for the SB crowd. Man, those were the days.

[Country John]

No, not Jersey Shore. Tijuana.

A lot of guys ask me about safety and the cops here. I decided to write something up since I live here and pay closer attention to these things than some others.

Safety:

There are no cartel hit men waiting for you when you cross over. Nobody wants to cut your head off or hang your cold corpse on an overpass. That is, unless you didn't pay for that last huge shipment; but that's a different post.

Apply the same common sense rules to travel in any similar type area. There are still bad guys (and girls) out there who want your money, so read O'tooles guide; the information there is as valid today as when it was written. The economy here sucks so the people who want you as a client might go that extra mile, but bad guys are bad guys. The side of Tijuana that you see is very different from the side that I see, and seeing your side is much clearer to me now that I've lived here for the past 3-1/2 years. The Zona Norte area and areas around clubs attract the riff-raff, they are a fact of life. The good news is that they are more into running scams than choke-holds, so get the cab to the club, stay in the club area or in the alley, do NOT wander outside the Zona on foot or alone.

Leave the bling at home. Bring your money, a valid I'd / passport and nothing more, unless you have no problem replacing this stuff. Secure items in your pocket, a button down back pocket on your pants is the best bet. For my passport and CDL, I would use a UPS type plastic document holder and adhere it to the inside of my shirt. You couldn't feel it, it stayed put and my stuff stayed secure.

If you are afraid of the dark or are easily spooked, travel during the day or with a wingman. Just don't be stupid, waiving a wad of cash around or talking the big talk. You are there to get laid by a delightful creature, get on with the show.

I had Sprint cel phone service when I lived Stateside. I had an expensive cel phone and a cheap cel phone. I'd call sprint and have them swap the cheap phone on the service for the weekend, and I left the expensive phone at home or in the car. All it took was the call to Sprint. See? Simple stuff.

So in many ways it is like the good old days, but even then Tijuana was no place to let your guard down.

The Cops.

Cops here love to catch Gringos doing stupid things, so the name of the game it to try to behave. Don't do anything here that you would not do at home. If you are a so-called "bad boy," then there is a cell waiting for you in Otay Station. The old station is closed and the new station is about a year old.

Cops do bad guy sweeps regularly, and the Zona Norte is no exception. They check I'd's and anyone without an I'd goes to jail. Guys, girls, anyone. They are looking for outstanding criminals, the regular ratero varieties etc, cartel types etc. So when you see the Police pick ups rolling around with a gang of bad guys in the back, that is what they are doing.

If YOU don't have I'd, cop an attitude, are drunk or misbehaving, then you get to join the crew in the back of the truck. Sometimes they drive around for hours before unloading.

NEVER pay a cop if you are stopped for a bullshit reason. Ask to speak to the boss. If you are busted running a light, a stopsign etc, then it should cost you about $20. 00; just STFU and pay it if you are in the Zona. If you are outside the Zona, opt for the ticket, or pay the $20. 00. As long as your are not drinking, and are not riding dirty, then you should be OK. Remember that doing the same thing in the USA can cost around $300. 00 plus other benefits, so $20. 00 is not a bad deal.

If you bring your car, you MUST have your current registration, and the car should be in your name. If you do not have the registration, you could lose the car. You also need M E X I C A N Insurance. Buy it before you cross over.

The rest of Brocton O'Tooles guide gets inserted here.

Bottom line? It's just like the old days.

[Baxter Slade]

Hi, the last time I went to Tijuana was like 5-6 years ago, and always wanted to go back. But in the last few years, I heard that things are going bad down there and is really dangerous to go. Now that I have read numerous report about people going down there. I just wonder how is it really down there now. I am mainly concerning safety and the cops over there.

Thanks for your input.

Despite the bad press Mexico has been getting about danger. I think Tijuana is pretty safe I have been going down there about once a month for the last year and have not had any problems. Yes there are less Americans down there and not many tourists like the old days. But as far as the Police it used to be worse years ago I would get jacked up walking across the bridge or arriving at the spot where the taxis drop you off now I don't even see the Police bothering anyone. I just wouldn't recomend walking around at night off the beaten path. But I feel safer walking around Tijuana than LA. As a cab driver once told me as long as you are not a drug dealer or a Policeman you will be ok.

[VoidRay]

Hi, the last time I went to Tijuana was like 5-6 years ago, and always wanted to go back. But in the last few years, I heard that things are going bad down there and is really dangerous to go. Now that I have read numerous report about people going down there. I just wonder how is it really down there now. I am mainly concerning safety and the cops over there.

Thanks for your input.

[Hargow20]

The Zona Norte is a lot safer, because there is a lot more cops around. I still would still use a lot of caution however. When I am in the Zona I always look constantly to see who is behind me.

[Hum Chale Tj]

Hi guys, any ideas on the safety scene in Tijuana? Which streets should one stick to and which one to avoid? Is it ok to go out (on foot) in the day time to areas near by zona norte?

Any particular do's and don'ts?

Thanks a lot!

[Kaibigan]

I've been visiting Tijuana and Ensenada for about 25 years. Just returned from 10 years in the P. I. And am getting ready to hit Tijuana again as the Chicas are usually very pretty and sexy if you have a bit of luck. I like the MILFs who moonlight for rent money. They are like you'd find if you were a door to door salesman. Thanks all for the very informative reports. Doesn't sound like the place has changed that much. Back in 1999 I was jumped twice not far from the Zona Roja on the way to the parking lot on Revolucion. Each time I was in a dream state having had monster fucks at Adelita / upstairs. Each time 2 guys one distracting from the front while the 2d guys hits you with a naked choke hold from behind. I went cold the first time and lost the $200 bucks I was intending to use to buy some boots on Constitucion. The second time I was ready for the co-suckers. If someone is choking you with his forearm from behind you just need to rotate your neck to keep your airway clear. If he's right handed you rotate left etc. I was able to get to my switchblade and after slashing the bastard's face to the front I stabbed the choker in his arm pit and forced the knife all the way to his wrist. His arm fell limp and I hauled ass before the cops arrived. Gringos are automatically guilty no matter what the facts are. The police sub-stations probably rid the zona of the "Kill zones" but it's still good advice to take a taxi and go straight to the front door of the club you are interested in. If possible go with a buddy and watch each other's backs. Pussy is always worth a little risk but when everyone has a Mac 10 and all you have is your dick in your hand the party sours quick. Do the so-called room cleaners upstairs still try to coerce you to pay a huge tip? I always told them I first had to get change downstairs and of course never went back.

[Jim0129]

Hi,

Its been my experience that most of the mafia likes to have private parties, usually you will see a small group going into the clubs but mostly for checking out girls and hiring them for their own parties at a given time and date, things are tough right now for the mafia in Mexico, they don't go out and mess with the normal population like they used to.

These days, the military or the police are out to get them, when the war agains the mafia started we saw a lot of shoot outs on the streets, you don't see them that frequently any more, I'm guessing that either they went underground or they're aren't just that many mafia guys anymore.

The clothing and boots that you've seen, it can be the mafia, or then again, just a guy who can afford the items, sadly the mafia clothing has become a culture in Mexico and guys are dressing the part and listening to the gangster music.

Just curious-if anything it probably makes them safer.

Also, do you think Zona Norte clubs are frequented by cartel members (be it foot soldiers or higher ranking guys)? Or do they do most of their partying in private locations?

Because in addition to ogling the naked women at HK, I like to people watch. And every now and then I'll see someone who doesn't look like much at first glance, but upon closer inspection you'll see expensive jewelery and custom boots.

[DimndJoe]

Just curious-if anything it probably makes them safer.

Also, do you think Zona Norte clubs are frequented by cartel members (be it foot soldiers or higher ranking guys)? Or do they do most of their partying in private locations?

Because in addition to ogling the naked women at HK, I like to people watch. And every now and then I'll see someone who doesn't look like much at first glance, but upon closer inspection you'll see expensive jewelery and custom boots.

[Hargow20]

I figured things had not changed much in the Zona. Thing so seem safer since they put in police substation. But even then I always look behind to see who is behind me. If someone does try and mug you yell for help. Some guys tried to rob me and some locals helped me.

[FlapJacK]

With all the recent news about crime and killings the past few weeks I was wondering if the TJ and the Zona Norta if crime has really risen much recently....? I walk down to the zone and only go during the day and early evenings. So I figure I am relatively safe. The main thing is always checking to see who is behind you.

I have been going down every few weeks Sunday afternoons and have not noticed any difference in the area's that I visit. I walk to and from the Zona when I visit during the day. If anything there seems to be less people but I have not heard of or noticed any crime against Gringo tourist who visit the zona. It seems pretty safe getting to and from the Zona. Just be polite, respectful and keep an awareness of your surroundings.

[Hargow20]

With all the recent news about crime and killings the past few weeks I was wondering if the TJ and the Zona Norta if crime has really risen much recently....? I walk down to the zone and only go during the day and early evenings. So I figure I am relatively safe. The main thing is always checking to see who is behind you.

[Dylan]

1. Yes. No.

2. Pick a yellow cab. Sit in front. Tell them where you want to go. Do not take no (or some excuse) for an answer. Pay $5, NO MORE.

3. Unless you really need to call someone, leave it at home. If you take it, keep an eye on it. Loads of chicas have "lost" cell phones, etc., from customers. I don't mean that they steal them, just that loads of customers leave them on the table, in the booth, etc., and forget them.

Go easy on the paranoia and you'll be fine...

FYI. If you take a right hand turn before the second turnstile, and go to the turn stile on your right, there's a taxi stand across the street to the left one block. You can get down town for $3. 00. Same drill. Sit up front, and tell the guy exactly where you want to go.

The sitting up front thing is key. I never really understood the importance of that until I'd gone a few times. You get a lot less torista BS that way.

I agree on going easy on the paranoia. Don't ever believe everything you read in the press. American papers spin everything. I was amazed after having been in Spain when the war broke out in 2003. Hearing news in Europe and then being able to compare when I got home was amazing. I've never really trusted the American press after that.

The same old, tired (but accurate) adage works all over the world:

Treat everyone with the utmost respect, and that's exactly what you'll get back.

It especially works with hookers.

Dylan

[Phordphan]

Hey thanks for the advice Phordphan. I'd figured I was being a little paranoid but you know you just hear of many "stories" of people getting kidnapped / abused by police it makes you a little paranoid. At least in Mexico in general, not necessarily Zona Norte.

Did you know if there is a news portal that would warn me of recent events and dangers to stay away temporarily etc?

Something else I've been wondering about, do I need to exchange my dollars to pesos and where's the safest place to exchange?

Unless you plan to wander all over TJ, don't worry about it. Watch your back at all times, don't stagger around drunk, don't flash money. Same as you would behave in any foreign country.

You'll pay less for the chicas if you exchange dollars to pesos. They use a 10:1 rate, usually, whereas you'll get 12.5 or more from the cambio. The hotels and clubs in the zona all adjust their peso rates to current exchange rates, so you'll save very little. But you will save a little.

Use the cambio in the yellow taxi area, or the one next to the cop shop on Constitucion, or the one around the corner, on the SE corner of Constitucion and Coahuila. If you want a little better rate, stop at on in San Ysidro, off the 5 and San Ysidro Rd. They may have a slightly better rate, but unless youi're changing several hundred dollars, it's not gonna make much difference.

[Dialtone777]

Hey thanks for the advice Phordphan. I'd figured I was being a little paranoid but you know you just hear of many "stories" of people getting kidnapped / abused by police it makes you a little paranoid. At least in Mexico in general, not necessarily Zona Norte.

Did you know if there is a news portal that would warn me of recent events and dangers to stay away temporarily etc?

Something else I've been wondering about, do I need to exchange my dollars to pesos and where's the safest place to exchange?