Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Captain Solo]

To Mr. Russell,

7 PM still has plenty of daylight. Tijuana does not get dark until about 8:30.

There are way to many hopeless drugs addicts in Tijuana with nothing to lose. They were stalking, waiting for the right time at the dark places to rob you. The losers would kill a person for a few bucks.

They even had balls to accuse you of stealing their phone? That would [CodeWord140] me off. You did not have to stop to entertain anyone's accusations or let them frisk you. They have no rights stalking you. If you feel threaten just shout at them "Policia. " If they still threaten you, call the policias and file a complain for stalking.

It's not worth the risks of getting robbed and beat up walking at night anywhere away from the bar block on Coahuila. That block is not 100% safe but is probably the safest area in Tijuana due to presence of bar touts, chicas, mongers and security cameras.

Take UBER or LYFT at night. They are cheaper and safer than taxis as all rides and drivers are recorded, whereas taxis drives are unknown and may be rateros in rented taxis.

[Mr Russell]

Hey guys!

Wanted to post about an incident that I experienced yesterday evening walking on Revolucion. I walked form HK to Restaurante Caesar's for dinner around 7 pm. Finished around 8 pm and started walking back to HK. Had my phone in my hand browsing the internet and as I crossed the first street light I noticed something odd about this group of two girls and a guy. Early to mid 20's. Don't exactly know why they caught my attention but as I stared at them they seemed to have their focus on me.

Next thing I noticed the dude started following me. I quickly walked into a Oxxo convenience store and watched to see if he would follow me in. He didn't. Spent 2 minutes in there and walked out thinking he left but to my surprise he was waiting just one business store away and as I came out he started following me again. I was alone so at this time I knew I shouldn't walk any further and should get a taxi / uber. A couple stores down was a well lit pharmacy that I frequently buy RXs from. I knew the cashier so I stopped into that pharmacy and told the clerk and pointed out he guy outside who was following me. I asked that he called the cops for me. He said he would do so but would probably take them 20 minutes to get here. I see patrol cars passing by on the street but didn't want to run out to wave them down.

There was a local customer who was buying RXs and overheard what I said to the clerk and said he'the go out and ask that dude what he wanted from me. Customer went out and he came back in with the prick and said he believes I have "his phone". He had a cheap cracked phone in his hand with a live GPS dot of our location and he said he is "tracking" his missing ph and it indicates I have it. What I saw on his shitty phone was either googlemaps or uber app open with flashing current location on. This was his "excuse". I took my phone & wallet out of my pocket and held it up in the hand furthest away from him and told him to go ahead and check if I had possession of his so-called phone on me (thinking back I shouldn't even have gave him that opportunity) but he didn't pat me down and just said he now believes me. Mind you this was just his "excuse". He then left and I requested an uber to pick me up in front of that pharmacy and take me back to HK.

This kid was relentless and had no fear of whatever consequences he would of faced at whatever robbery attempt he was going to attempt on me. I am 35 y / o, 5'8" and a somewhat husky dude and he was fearless. I've walked alone to Revolucion 30+ times even in evening hours and have never encountered anything like this. So glad that my senses made me realize something off about that group when I left the restaurant.

As close proximity as Revolucion is to HK I will always uber to my destinations from here on. Safety first! Just thought I'the share this experience and warn you all that as fun as it is in Tijuana there are always a few individuals like this group that don't give a F**k and don't fear consequences. Even the pharmacy clerk was surprised saying these types of individuals rarely attempt this in the tourist area but I would disagree that it's the best place to attempt robbery. Be careful fellas!

Don't believe the people who say you will be safe just be being smart and using your head. It's not USA. Nobody fears being arrested because it hardly ever happens. So for starters understand your a gigantic target. In NYC the locals swarm the Europeans right off the plain. They stand out. It's the small details. The sneaker brand. The haircut. The accent. Nobody should walk that bridge unless you've been robbed in the past and handed over your wallet with no hesitation. I've read plenty of travel forums with tourists getting robbed on it. You need to have the cash in three spots. Some in wallet some in hidden pockets and socks. 15 dollars is worth mugging. I've had it happen to me. In front of two dozen people walking by. So witness is relevant. Pay the taxi fare or take the sixty cents bus. Tijuana is a lot of fun similar to america in the 80's before everything became illegal and gentrified but it is not a playground. Every minute you are on the sidewalk you will be eyed and considered a target.

[WombatEd2]

Yes the Captain makes a valid point. Do not forget to mention the EL or you could end up at LA Chaparal.

After all, in LA one whole damn city named "LA Puente".

[WombatEd2]

In Australia, when they restricted firearms like Mexico, robberies and burglaries skyrocketed.

I tried to google this and came up empty. (Ignoring sites with clear gun agendas, one way or the other.).

By any chance do you have a reliable source for this?

[TomJackin]

Thanks!

I'm assuming that the "old" crossing would be a better option for those taking the trolley.

You are assuming correct.

[Captain Solo]

If someone accosts you on the streets, chances are very high that they are criminals, trying to set you up for something bad. Or policias may suspect you for crimes by association.

Tell them firmly to go away. If they persist, tell them "Policias. " If they still follow you, call out loud for help: "Ayuda! Ayuda!" They would usually run away.

[Electronman]

Here is an older map.

Thanks!

I'm assuming that the "old" crossing would be a better option for those taking the trolley.

[TomJackin]

Thanks for the helpful replies. Do we have a "walking" map posted anywhere in this thread? I know that Tijuana Amigos, now closed, used to have a pedestrian map.

Here is an older map.

[Electronman]

Any time a local speaking great English offers to be your guide, get your stuff, be a buddy for no apparent reason, you have to ditch him immediately.

Be polite but firm and say the words "I don't want anything. I don't need your help." Then walk away.

Only once did a local insist and followed me and I had to face him and tell him to "fuck off."

There guys are predators. They're probing to find a weak one. They know you have cash.

Jackie,

That is exactly what I did. But I continued walking towards my destination and he followed in spite of my insistence that I did not need or want his company. Interestingly, the local police pulled up within a block of this guy starting to walk along with me. This timing made me suspicious that it might have been a set up with the police also involved, possibly by sending this guy to walk with gringos and to give them a pretext to stop and harass American tourists. I felt fortunate to get out of the situation with no monetary or physical damage. The only reason I posted this was warn others of this type of scam and vulnerability.

[Hargow20]

The Zona Norte is real easy to walk around and walk to if you wish. The Zona is comprises two street blocks. The central part is the Cohuilla alley this runs east west. The alley runs into Constitucion and that is on the east side. Ninos Hero's is on the west side. On the North side there is Cohuila street. This is where Hong Kong and Adelita's bard On the west side there is Primera street. Primera street runs into Revolucion and takes you across the Pedestrian bridge. As for SG's & SW's the better ones are either in the alley or on Constitucion or Nino's Heros. If you do walk around always look to see who is behind you. You can always Google Hong Kong bar and that will give a map. The only caveat is that Google maps does not label the alley.

Thanks for the helpful replies. Do we have a "walking" map posted anywhere in this thread? I know that Tijuana Amigos, now closed, used to have a pedestrian map.

I did have one bad experience walking- a local started walking with me and offering to be my guide to Hong Kong. I declined emphatically and multiple times, but he continued to walk along beside me. Within a block, a police cruiser pulls up, three cops hop out and demand to search me. I asked why and I was told that I was waling with a "known drug dealer." I might have been carrying $400 dollars in my wallet, which the cops found in their search, and I felt certain that the police would take the cash as bribe money or worse yet plant some drugs on my body. Fortunately, a lieutenant pulled up and ordered the local police to back off and sent me on my way. I'm not sure what happened to the "known drug dealer" who offered to be my escort but it really felt like a set up. However, I do like to walk cities and I'd be tempted if I knew the recommended route.

[Jackie888]

Thanks for the helpful replies. Do we have a "walking" map posted anywhere in this thread? I know that Tijuana Amigos, now closed, used to have a pedestrian map.

I did have one bad experience walking- a local started walking with me and offering to be my guide to Hong Kong. I declined emphatically and multiple times, but he continued to walk along beside me. Within a block, a police cruiser pulls up, three cops hop out and demand to search me. I asked why and I was told that I was waling with a "known drug dealer." I might have been carrying $400 dollars in my wallet, which the cops found in their search, and I felt certain that the police would take the cash as bribe money or worse yet plant some drugs on my body. Fortunately, a lieutenant pulled up and ordered the local police to back off and sent me on my way. I'm not sure what happened to the "known drug dealer" who offered to be my escort but it really felt like a set up. However, I do like to walk cities and I'd be tempted if I knew the recommended route.

Any time a local speaking great English offers to be your guide, get your stuff, be a buddy for no apparent reason, you have to ditch him immediately.

Be polite but firm and say the words "I don't want anything. I don't need your help." Then walk away.

Only once did a local insist and followed me and I had to face him and tell him to "fuck off."

There guys are predators. They're probing to find a weak one. They know you have cash.

[Electronman]

You are much better off using Uber if you are heading to the Zona after 9 pm or back from there. It costs only $2. 34. Just ask the to take El Chapparal. That this bridge just south of Pedeast. I always walk to the Zona if it is before 8 pm. There is always other people walking across the bridge so you will be safe.

Thanks for the helpful replies. Do we have a "walking" map posted anywhere in this thread? I know that Tijuana Amigos, now closed, used to have a pedestrian map.

I did have one bad experience walking- a local started walking with me and offering to be my guide to Hong Kong. I declined emphatically and multiple times, but he continued to walk along beside me. Within a block, a police cruiser pulls up, three cops hop out and demand to search me. I asked why and I was told that I was waling with a "known drug dealer." I might have been carrying $400 dollars in my wallet, which the cops found in their search, and I felt certain that the police would take the cash as bribe money or worse yet plant some drugs on my body. Fortunately, a lieutenant pulled up and ordered the local police to back off and sent me on my way. I'm not sure what happened to the "known drug dealer" who offered to be my escort but it really felt like a set up. However, I do like to walk cities and I'd be tempted if I knew the recommended route.

[Hargow20]

You are much better off using Uber if you are heading to the Zona after 9 pm or back from there. It costs only $2. 34. Just ask the to take El Chapparal. That this bridge just south of Pedeast. I always walk to the Zona if it is before 8 pm. There is always other people walking across the bridge so you will be safe.

Very helpful report.

On a recent visit I had two taxi drivers insist on on $8 fare. In one case, I rejected the taxi and went to another pick up point. For the other, I had already hopped in the cab, without confirming the fare and I was surprised when the driver requested $8 when he dropped me at the border. I paid the extra three dollars- no need to start a scene over three dollars.

Getting two $8 quotes, makes me think that the drivers are conspiring to raise the prices.

Anyone else have this experience? Just thought that others might want to be aware and prepared.

[Ninguno Especial]

Very helpful report.

On a recent visit I had two taxi drivers insist on on $8 fare.
Getting two $8 quotes, makes me think that the drivers are conspiring to raise the prices.
Anyone else have this experience? Just thought that others might want to be aware and prepared.

Thanks for the heads up. I've not used a taxi in well over 2 yrs as I only go daytime & grab a 10 peso Mercedes Van at the border, returning from 2nd and Constitucion for same price. But those quotes are outrageous.

When the peso to USD rates were closer like 10 and 12 to one they would easily take 50 pesos some 30 pesos or $3 US. Now $8 is easily 140 pesos and when they see pesos they act like it is foreign currency, as if they are too good to accept it.

[Electronman]

I guess it is good that you are paronoid. It well just make you more alert. But you should have no worries. Best bet is enter by foot and long as you enter before 10 p. M use ped west. The entrance is located just east of the outlet mall. You will need a passport or passport card to enter Mexico. You will most likely have to fill out paperwork that won't take long. The main thing they want to know is where you are going (Tijuana is the correct answer) and that you will be staying less than 7 days. If you are not comfortable telling them you are going to the clubs, just say you are going to the casino (Caliente) to bet on sports. Once you exit into Mexico straight ahead to the driveway and to your right you will see cabs. Tell the driver $5 to Hong Kong. If he says $6 tell him to fuck off and wait for another taxi. Once you get to Hk welcome to disneyland. And you will be fine paying in dollars and you will also be fine with no spanish. You will also be able to safely walk out the rear of HK and the alley will have a nice selection of SG's if you are on a budget. When you have had enough you will have no problem locating a taxi. And once again don't ask how much tell them what you will pay. $5 is a generous offer. Tell them you want to go to La linea Chaparel. Just remember to say Chaparel or you could end up at an unfamiliar location..

Very helpful report.

On a recent visit I had two taxi drivers insist on on $8 fare. In one case, I rejected the taxi and went to another pick up point. For the other, I had already hopped in the cab, without confirming the fare and I was surprised when the driver requested $8 when he dropped me at the border. I paid the extra three dollars- no need to start a scene over three dollars.

Getting two $8 quotes, makes me think that the drivers are conspiring to raise the prices.

Anyone else have this experience? Just thought that others might want to be aware and prepared.