Crime, Safety, and the Police

[KGB1234]

Hey guys,

Planning my third trip to Tijuana next month. My previous two trips have been nothing less than magical. That said, I hear how common it is to be shaken down by municipal cops. Generally speaking, I'm relatively smart about my behavior and always aware of my surroundings. However, I understand that dealing with crooked cops is so common that it's bound to happen eventually. So my question is, assuming I'm not doing anything legit illegal, what is the best way to deal with a cop? I read that it's good to keep your cash in your hand when they ask for your wallet. And if they shake you down, do they usually just take something out of your wallet, or are you expected to offer them a certain amount of cash?

My only concern is when we go to Hong Kong, I usually take a couple hundred bucks. More if it's multiple days. I suppose I could just keep excess cash tucked away in my bag in the hotel room. I just fear a cop catching me when I have 200-300 bucks on my way there and losing it. But maybe the answer is to just keep what I need on me and the rest in my bag hidden in my hotel. Or use the ATM at Hong Kong.

And for that matter, has anyone had anything shady happen with the ATMs at Hotel Cascadas? I used it last time no problem, and I was very happily surprised how professional and accommodating the business was -- but I fear having my card copied. This actually happened the first time I went to Zona -- but like a dumbass I used one of the ATMs outside on the street. Was just curious if using the ATMs inside Hotel Cascadas was a red flag?

And last question, what's everyone's system for carrying around some extra money just in case they lose their wallet? Like an extra 20 or 40 bucks hidden in their sock or something.

Really any tips for minimizing potential police shakedowns would be helpful haha. I like to have a system in my head going in. Thanks a lot, this forum has been greatly beneficial and I appreciate all your advice.

[FlapJacK]

Hey,

Does anyone know why all of the northbound traffic lanes are closed? I checked the border traffic app at 4 pm and it said all lanes closed. Is it due to construction or is there another protest? I was going to drive in next Sunday but now I might hoof it instead.

Someone ran over a bunch of vendors close to the border crossing. No idea why. I saw a video of it on facebook. Lots of cops and people in a large crowed fighting and arguing after the incident.

[Hargow20]

The lanes are open (https://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/mobile.asp?action=n&pn=2504). Personally I avoid driving in Tijuana. The drivers are simply to crazy for my tastes. Walking to the Zona only takes about 30 minutes and I like the exercise.

Hey,

Does anyone know why all of the northbound traffic lanes are closed? I checked the border traffic app at 4 pm and it said all lanes closed. Is it due to construction or is there another protest? I was going to drive in next Sunday but now I might hoof it instead.

[MikeyMae]

Hey,

Does anyone know why all of the northbound traffic lanes are closed? I checked the border traffic app at 4 pm and it said all lanes closed. Is it due to construction or is there another protest? I was going to drive in next Sunday but now I might hoof it instead.

[Member #4722]

Yea that was a crazy night. I doubt there was much left in that vape pen.

Haha I doubt there was much left.

[Baxter Slade]

Yea that was a crazy night. I doubt there was much left in that vape pen.

[Artisttyp]

No I was coming hope from a long day partying in La Zona it was about 3 am I got dropped off a couple blocks from my hotel on Rev. Wanted some fresh air there was a cop just sitting there about 20 feet from where the Uber dropped me off. Won't make that same mistake again should have gone straight to hotel.

Yeah 3 am is trouble. I would keep the vape pen at the hotel however tempting it might be. I am glad that it worked out for you.

[Member #4722]

Were you arriving from the border to the hotel via Uber? I wonder if cops stalk out the area for suspects then follow them in route?

Thanks for sharing. Glad it worked out for you.

No I was coming hope from a long day partying in La Zona it was about 3 am I got dropped off a couple blocks from my hotel on Rev. Wanted some fresh air there was a cop just sitting there about 20 feet from where the Uber dropped me off. Won't make that same mistake again should have gone straight to hotel.

[Artisttyp]

Got shaken down by the cops last night on my way to hotel as soon as I got out of my Uber they were all over me. Found my vape pen I straight up told him it was marijuana. He said he was taking me to jail. I told him I was OK with that it was nicer than my hotel. Asked how much money I had I pulled out the crumbled 20 peso note in my pocket and he took my vape and sent me on my way.

Were you arriving from the border to the hotel via Uber? I wonder if cops stalk out the area for suspects then follow them in route?

Thanks for sharing. Glad it worked out for you.

[ScatManDoo]

Got shaken down by the cops last night on my way to hotel as soon as I got out of my Uber they were all over me. Found my vape pen I straight up told him it was marijuana. He said he was taking me to jail. I told him I was OK with that it was nicer than my hotel. Asked how much money I had I pulled out the crumbled 20 peso note in my pocket and he took my vape and sent me on my way.

Good job Rog123. I'm sure that some comprehending readers here understood your post and it reinforced their prior knowledge.

Don't show the Tijuana policia any fear on your part, and only your bait money.

The only interest the policia have in finding people with small amounts of harmless drugs like pot and Viagra, is how much money or property they think they can extract from you based on fear.

They have no interest in actually taking you to jail or before a judge.

[Hargow20]

Yes I agree carrying weed and vape pipe is not a wise idea. He should consider himself fortunate that he got off with a slap on the wrist.

That's a shakedown? LOL. You admitted to carrying a contraband. The only thing you lost was $1 and the evidence that could have toss you into the Tijuana Gladiator Academy for 6 months. Consider it a gift and count your blessings.

[Member #4722]

That's a shakedown? LOL. You admitted to carrying a contraband. The only thing you lost was $1 and the evidence that could have toss you into the Tijuana Gladiator Academy for 6 months. Consider it a gift and count your blessings.

I should have stated "attempted shakedown" haha. I doubt having a little personal weed would be anything more than a night in jail. He let me keep the 20 pesos!

[Jackie888]

Got shaken down by the cops last night on my way to hotel as soon as I got out of my Uber they were all over me. Found my vape pen I straight up told him it was marijuana. He said he was taking me to jail. I told him I was OK with that it was nicer than my hotel. Asked how much money I had I pulled out the crumbled 20 peso note in my pocket and he took my vape and sent me on my way.

That's a shakedown? LOL. You admitted to carrying a contraband. The only thing you lost was $1 and the evidence that could have toss you into the Tijuana Gladiator Academy for 6 months. Consider it a gift and count your blessings.

[Member #4722]

Got shaken down by the cops last night on my way to hotel as soon as I got out of my Uber they were all over me. Found my vape pen I straight up told him it was marijuana. He said he was taking me to jail. I told him I was OK with that it was nicer than my hotel. Asked how much money I had I pulled out the crumbled 20 peso note in my pocket and he took my vape and sent me on my way.

[LovesToSploog]

Yeah pretty much, you have to be there to know it is what I'm trying to say.

So your supposed friend's ignorance of Tijuana is best explained by your prior ignorance of Las Vegas?

Do any of you read?