Crime, Safety, and the Police

[DarrenGap]

Quote from el blog del narco. Forgive the google translation.

In the history of Tijuana, it is the first time that it has exceeded 1,000 executions in just 155 days of this year. Not even in the most critical years of confrontation ..... or even in 2016, considered the most violent, had this deadly statistic been overcome.

As of June 2017, in the first six months of the year, the Attorney General's Office of the State (PGJE) registered 771 intentional homicides in Tijuana, while in the same period, but in 2018 (June 7), it registered 1,022.

[DramaFree11]

Generally IMO, if you are visiting Mexico, Do As The Mexicans Do! Mexican upper class men usually wear long sleeved shirts and pants with quality leather boots with a hat or baseball cap. If you want to dress like Bozo the clown or the 50 Cent Rapper prison costume with saggy shorts, you can do so in Zona Norte at your own risk. Looking like an Ugly American with too much money will not go well if the Rateros notice your bad taste in clothes. So to blend in, dress like a Mexican. This advice applies to all European countries. Ugly Americans wonder why waiters and clerks ignore them in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops and the men who dressed well get treated well by the staff. Many Europeans and Mexicans judge you by your clothes, unlike the USA today where criminals are glorified and baggy Rapper shorts are "in".

So true, one of my favorite posts!

[Travv]

Generally IMO, if you are visiting Mexico, Do As The Mexicans Do! Mexican upper class men usually wear long sleeved shirts and pants with quality leather boots with a hat or baseball cap. If you want to dress like Bozo the clown or the 50 Cent Rapper prison costume with saggy shorts, you can do so in Zona Norte at your own risk. Looking like an Ugly American with too much money will not go well if the Rateros notice your bad taste in clothes. So to blend in, dress like a Mexican. This advice applies to all European countries. Ugly Americans wonder why waiters and clerks ignore them in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops and the men who dressed well get treated well by the staff. Many Europeans and Mexicans judge you by your clothes, unlike the USA today where criminals are glorified and baggy Rapper shorts are "in".

To Simmer,

We are not exactly sensitive middle-school kids. Nobody in La Zona gives a damn what kinds of clothes you put on. The chicas and meseros only care if your clothes have pockets full of cash. The bros only care if you are a cool, fun guys to hang out with. Ratero will rob anyone who give them the best opportunities.

An old guy used to hang out in HK wearing his formal tuxedo with a jungle short with his serious, all business, no kidding manners hehe. He's a funny character. The summer is very hot in day time but still chilly at night. Lots of guys show up in T shirts, shorts, flip flops in day time. Guys come in after work in starched white shirts and suit or jackets. They are there to relax and wear whatever is convenient.

Regardless what clothes you wear, HK chicas and meseros can sniff out the newbies quickly and will ply them with mucho hot girls and fichas. Just wear casual clothes that make you feel good and comfortable for the climate, and you will be appreciated for who you are and where you come from.

[Jicks]

If it went down like this then be vigilant and observant. Dangerous indeed. No details or limited info. If you are a victim of crime please be careful and take precautions for preventive measures. Some crimes are worth reporting. Any bros out and around the alley at this time? Did you see or hear something? Again be safe out there.

Looks like alley became more dangerous than it was one year ago. I was there last year during La Malquerida shooting, I think there are better places for non-socal mongers than alley.

[Captain Solo]

To Simmer,

We are not exactly sensitive middle-school kids. Nobody in La Zona gives a damn what kinds of clothes you put on. The chicas and meseros only care if your clothes have pockets full of cash. The bros only care if you are a cool, fun guys to hang out with. Ratero will rob anyone who give them the best opportunities.

An old guy used to hang out in HK wearing his formal tuxedo with a jungle short with his serious, all business, no kidding manners hehe. He's a funny character. The summer is very hot in day time but still chilly at night. Lots of guys show up in T shirts, shorts, flip flops in day time. Guys come in after work in starched white shirts and suit or jackets. They are there to relax and wear whatever is convenient.

Regardless what clothes you wear, HK chicas and meseros can sniff out the newbies quickly and will ply them with mucho hot girls and fichas. Just wear casual clothes that make you feel good and comfortable for the climate, and you will be appreciated for who you are and where you come from.

[MongerHunger]

If it went down like this then be vigilant and observant. Dangerous indeed. No details or limited info. If you are a victim of crime please be careful and take precautions for preventive measures. Some crimes are worth reporting. Any bros out and around the alley at this time? Did you see or hear something? Again be safe out there.

I was a bit surprised considering how much police there is in the alley. The police always have a van or truck parked on the west end of the alley. Hopefully this is random occurrence. We will have to wait see how this effects the Zona. Just keep your guard up folks. It's quite probable that the drug gangs are fighting. If so then there is good chance the ratero's will step up there mugging's.


"A man was deprived of life after receiving a series of shots, the events occurred around 21:15 hours in the.

Coahuila Alley of the North Zone.

Municipal police came to attend the report and decreed the injured person outside a hotel in transit, for which they requested Red Cross services..

[Simmer]

Spot on. I don't know what those 2 posters look like. But you can prevent a lot or invite a lot by how you carry yourself. I am not a "tough guy". I'm as gringo as they come. I'm a fairly fat guy, to be blunt. I do carry it well and look "bigger" than I really am. But walking without fear saved me in a pickle. There is a lot of great advice on this board. Be aware of your surroundings. Look behind you. Don't flash a phone or cash. Don't dress differently than your surroundings.

The first time I went to HK I soon realised I was a little overdressed (collared button down shirt, smart jeans) - perhaps not for indoors, but walking some of the nearby streets I was clearly not fitting in. But I had memorised the route I needed to take so was fairly confident. If anything, perhaps a few Google Street Views would have helped to be more certain. Only one 4-block walk but I was glad for at least a little preparation after reading this forum. The following day I wore a regular T-shirt and felt more fitting, despite being very white with blond hair.

Inside HK you could immediately spot several Americans from the clothes they wore. Hawaiian shirts tucked into cargo shorts just screams American at me (and I was right). Another bloke, much older, wore suspenders (of the hold the pants up variety!) and what looked like a medical belt of some sort. Hard to explain but I half expected him to be carried out, not walking out! But again, not a look I would like to wear in that Zona.

[Hargow20]

I was a bit surprised considering how much police there is in the alley. The police always have a van or truck parked on the west end of the alley. Hopefully this is random occurrence. We will have to wait see how this effects the Zona. Just keep your guard up folks. It's quite probable that the drug gangs are fighting. If so then there is good chance the ratero's will step up there mugging's.


"A man was deprived of life after receiving a series of shots, the events occurred around 21:15 hours in the.

Coahuila Alley of the North Zone.

Municipal police came to attend the report and decreed the injured person outside a hotel in transit, for which they requested Red Cross services.

As the first personal response of firefighters came to the scene to provide prehospital help, however the man no longer showed vital signs.

At the moment, the area is cordoned off and guarded by municipal agents and the public prosecutor, awaiting expert services and the survey unit. ".

(https://translate.google.com/transla...ml&prev=search).

Ejecutado en callejn Coahuila de la Zona Norte.

TIJUANA, Baja California (GH).

Un hombre fue privado de la vida tras recibir una serie de disparos, LOS hechos ocurrieron alrededor de las 21:15 horas en el.

Callejon Coahuila de la Zona Norte.

Policas municipales acudieron a atender el reporte why decretaron a la persona herida a las afueras de un hotel de paso, por lo cual solicitaron LOS servicios de Cruz Roja.

Como primera respuesta personal de bomberos acudi a la escena para brindar ayuda prehospitalaria, sin embargo el hombre ya no presentaba signos vitales.

De momento el rea se encuentra acordonada why resguardada por agentes municipales why del ministerio pblico, en espera de servicios periciales why la unidad de levantamientos.

[Artisttyp]

Ejecutado en callejn Coahuila de la Zona Norte.

TIJUANA, Baja California (GH).

Un hombre fue privado de la vida tras recibir una serie de disparos, LOS hechos ocurrieron alrededor de las 21:15 horas en el.

Callejon Coahuila de la Zona Norte.

Policas municipales acudieron a atender el reporte why decretaron a la persona herida a las afueras de un hotel de paso, por lo cual solicitaron LOS servicios de Cruz Roja.

Como primera respuesta personal de bomberos acudi a la escena para brindar ayuda prehospitalaria, sin embargo el hombre ya no presentaba signos vitales.

De momento el rea se encuentra acordonada why resguardada por agentes municipales why del ministerio pblico, en espera de servicios periciales why la unidad de levantamientos.

[Dcrist0527]

Spot on. I don't know what those 2 posters look like. But you can prevent a lot or invite a lot by how you carry yourself. I am not a "tough guy". I'm as gringo as they come. I'm a fairly fat guy, to be blunt. I do carry it well and look "bigger" than I really am. But walking without fear saved me in a pickle. There is a lot of great advice on this board. Be aware of your surroundings. Look behind you. Don't flash a phone or cash. Don't dress differently than your surroundings. The two things I swear by based on personal experience:

1, walk with a purpose. When I visit, I spend literally hours walking the streets of Tijuana, in and out of the zona, day and night. There are places to avoid. But for the most part, I am not heading anywhere in particular. But I walk like I am. Even around in the alley, I don't loiter. I walk like I'm heading somewhere. I believe this helps you fit in. Someone walking aimlessly just screams target.

2, walk with an attitude. I'm not a tough guy. I do probably look more intimidating than I am. But I won't smile. I act tough. I give a courteous head nod to people I see. It's to be kind and not tick anyone off but it's also eye contact to let them know, I see you, don't mess with me.

Just like most big cities, if you spend time walking around certain areas, you are bound to encounter bad people. Those bad people encounter hundreds of people a day, at least. They act on the few that make themselves vulnerable. Don't give them a reason to choose you and you'll likely not have a problem.

I think fear of crime varies between posters. My guess is that the two posters probably fit the profile of the perfect mugger target. Which would be the characteristics of elderly or small or Asian or disabled. Thus they have extensive experience with the local muggers. Posters and members here who look like Hells Angels or LAPD on steroids probably will not have problems from the local Tijuana rateros on the other hand.

[Baxter Slade]

There are two posters on this board who continually spout bilge. At this point I think you know who they both are.

How about a clue?

[VegasGambler9]

How about walking around Construction Av at night would that be okay. Thanks to all of you for the info you post.

[Hargow20]

The unfortunate fact is what you said is largely true in the Zona. Last year a guy stole my phone. I reported to cops and about a block later they stopped me stole some money from me. The key in the Zona and Tijuana is to always be aware of your surroundings and constantly look behind you. Now the main part of the Zona has become a bit safer since the cops are constantly around.

Is this what you think when you go around Tijuana? Doom and Gloom? Scams around every corner? Police becoming your enemy because you report a crime? Rateros making you a mark when they see you? It's a wonder if you have any fun walking around paranoid but keep coming back for more.

[Bbond]

"Only" once? LOL I have made that walk countless number of times, no problems. Yet. What specific location did you get mugged at, if you don't mind sharing?

It really doesn't matter where, some guys just look like a target, and they are not safe anywhere. The way they dress, they way they act, etc, and of course etc. But don't mind me, I only have 50 years experience in Mexico. I just had a "friend" get nailed for 800 pesos protection money, he went out to smoke a cigarette, guy told him that for his protection he need to pay for safety. Idiot, instead of coming back inside and telling me, he paid it. Come on. Look like a fool, be treated as such.

[Centurion200]

Have been here for two days. When I visit a new city my favorite thing is to do city walks. Was apprehensive about this place because of all the bad things I've heard. I've cross-crossed the city and aside from some guff from the usual suspects (obviously crazy or drugged out clowns) I've had no trouble. That what you get in any city on the world.

The red-light district attracts low-life's, of course, but if you walk confident and mind your business I think anyone will be fine.