Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Captain Solo]

I was in front of bar Malquerida Friday night about 10 PM when a loud argument involving 6-8 people spilled out into the sidewalk. An ugly butch, in black jean and black shirt with spiky hair, was aggressively accusing a mesero in his red shirt. She was loud and aggressive pointing finger at his face.

2 street cops came over. The butch was loud and aggressive, pointing finger at his face. Looked like a couple other meseros were trying to cool things down, but the butch was angry and aggressive. The cops were listening, then they grabbed the mesero and put the cuff on him and dragged him away. Looked like she accused him of cheating on her change. Can't think of another possible cause as nobody would touch that ugly butch with a 10-foot pole.

Looks like it's very easy to get arrested in Tijuana.

[Jackie888]

About 8 PM in the middle of the intersection of Coahuila and Constitucion, a Humvee with a bunch of soldiers in desert camouflage stopped 2 policias and took their pistols.

The soldiers were aiming their guns at the 2 policias. One took their revolvers and emptied the bullets out of the rotary. I asked the bar touts what was going on but they had no ideas. They looked at the scene as routine.

There were a few other Army Humvees patrolling the streets. They may be looking for some big cartel guys.

I'm guessing that the military is really dropping the hammer on the New Generation cartel downing their chopper in Jalisco weeks ago. So they're simply helping the local police stay out of the fight.

[Hargow20]

There is some police and private security in that run down shopping mall before you approach the bridge. I saw police on bridge at night about a month ago. There is also a police station just after you walk across the street to walkway. Perhaps it would be good idea and express our concerns to the police. It is really lame that the city has not installed more lights and deployed more police in such a high tourist area.

In the stair wells there are people selling trinkets during the day. At night vagrants and deportees sleep in it.

Over the bridge there are no policias like before, only a few beggars, pedestrians and sometimes scary-looking druggies and thugs. I've had cholos trying to pick fight with me on the bridge. If they decide to attack or rob you, noone is going to help and there is nowhere to run. If you jump off the bridge, it's about 20 to 30 feet down to a hard concrete surface. You are most likely going to die or severely injured. Or the thugs would rob you then just push you over the bridge to die.

That area has some of the worst and most desperate people in Mexico. Better to save your ass so you can hump the chicas.

[Captain Solo]

About 8 PM in the middle of the intersection of Coahuila and Constitucion, a Humvee with a bunch of soldiers in desert camouflage stopped 2 policias and took their pistols.

The soldiers were aiming their guns at the 2 policias. One took their revolvers and emptied the bullets out of the rotary. I asked the bar touts what was going on but they had no ideas. They looked at the scene as routine.

There were a few other Army Humvees patrolling the streets. They may be looking for some big cartel guys.

[Captain Solo]

In the stair wells there are people selling trinkets during the day. At night vagrants and deportees sleep in it.

Over the bridge there are no policias like before, only a few beggars, pedestrians and sometimes scary-looking druggies and thugs. I've had cholos trying to pick fight with me on the bridge. If they decide to attack or rob you, noone is going to help and there is nowhere to run. If you jump off the bridge, it's about 20 to 30 feet down to a hard concrete surface. You are most likely going to die or severely injured. Or the thugs would rob you then just push you over the bridge to die.

That area has some of the worst and most desperate people in Mexico. Better to save your ass so you can hump the chicas.

The bridge is not to dangerous because there are other people walking to and from downtown. I would advise sticking to the ramps and avoiding the stairs when there is less people around however.

[Hargow20]

The bridge is not to dangerous because there are other people walking to and from downtown. I would advise sticking to the ramps and avoiding the stairs when there is less people around however.

OMG that bridge at night. Couple of years ago I read a journalist piece describing how we deport people to Mexico. We literally drop them off and cut them off. A lot of those deportees just happenned to be hard core gang members. And they made the area under the bridge their home since they are permanently homeless / unemployed due to no Mexican ID. Hmmm, unemployd poor as shit gang members criminals in the underpass watching Walking Gringo human ATM machines cross back and forth. Recently I no longer see any homeless people under the bridge. But still, I wouldn't dare brave that bridge at night.

[Jackie888]

OMG that bridge at night. Couple of years ago I read a journalist piece describing how we deport people to Mexico. We literally drop them off and cut them off. A lot of those deportees just happenned to be hard core gang members. And they made the area under the bridge their home since they are permanently homeless / unemployed due to no Mexican ID. Hmmm, unemployd poor as shit gang members criminals in the underpass watching Walking Gringo human ATM machines cross back and forth. Recently I no longer see any homeless people under the bridge. But still, I wouldn't dare brave that bridge at night.

[Hargow20]

The crime in Tijuana and Zona seems to up and down so it's hard to tell what the crime level is. One problem with Tijuana is that that there is not enough street lights around. Even the walkway across the pedestrian bridge and up to Revolucion is poorly lit.

https://www.yahoo.com/travel/is-mexi...874480792.html

As of today May 14,2015.

In summary, we are more vulnerable to street crimes because the police has its hands full with the cartel. So they're short of man power in protecting tourists such as us.

Don't dress like you are rich.

Don't get into a car unless you are 100% sure it is actually a real taxi.

Stay in crowded tourist areas.

Avoid using the ATM.

Don't put up a fight in a robbery. Money is replaceable. Your life or limbs are not.

[Phordphan]

https://www.yahoo.com/travel/is-mexi...874480792.html

As of today May 14,2015.

In summary, we are more vulnerable to street crimes because the police has its hands full with the cartel. So they're short of man power in protecting tourists such as us.

Don't dress like you are rich.

Don't get into a car unless you are 100% sure it is actually a real taxi.

Stay in crowded tourist areas.

Avoid using the ATM.

Don't put up a fight in a robbery. Money is replaceable. Your life or limbs are not.

I'm not sure who the target audience for that Yahoo fluff piece is, but it's inane, to be kind.

Don't use an ATM on a dark and lonely street in the middle of the night? No shit?

Real taxi? Man, I can imagine THAT conversation:

"Psst! Hey, Buddy. Need a ride to the border? I'm going that way, anyway. Hop in."

"Why, thank you, kind stranger! Is that your friend there with you? How did you know that I, and my Rolex, and my bag of cash needed a ride? Wow the people in this town sure are friendly!"

Here's a hint: They say Taxi Libre on the side. You'll be 100% sure of it being a taxi.

My favorite quote: "Generally, if you stay in the all-inclusive resorts, there's nothing to worry about," WTF? Just stay home.

[Jackie888]

https://www.yahoo.com/travel/is-mexi...874480792.html

As of today May 14,2015.

In summary, we are more vulnerable to street crimes because the police has its hands full with the cartel. So they're short of man power in protecting tourists such as us.

Don't dress like you are rich.

Don't get into a car unless you are 100% sure it is actually a real taxi.

Stay in crowded tourist areas.

Avoid using the ATM.

Don't put up a fight in a robbery. Money is replaceable. Your life or limbs are not.

[ScatManDoo]

Does anyone have any recent news about the police shakedowns and muggings. ? Was down last month and got mugged on Cohuilla st. Probably heading down in about a week or so. My head will be on a swivel this time.

I was in Tijuana from noon Sunday until 4 PM on Monday.

I stayed at the HDS Sunday night, so I was regularly walking on Coahuila Ave. Between Revolution and Constitution.

I saw what seemed to be the regular amount of Policia.

I saw fewer men (locals) hanging out on the street than I usually see.

I saw just slightly fewer chicas on the street than usual, but my rotation regulars seemed to have no problem finding and approaching me.

The one big difference I noticed is a large increase in private security personnel. For more than a year my monger friends and I have noticed these private security guys in front of, or near Hotel Leyva and the HDS. We've been under the impression that these guys, who we refer to as 'the men in black' might be additional private security that most likely have been hired by the Leyva family, since they always seem to be in close proximity to their two hotels (Leyva & HDS). And while I've certainly noticed them in the second half of year 2014, they seemed to be out in much greater numbers on this Sunday and Monday.

My quasi wingman has been in Tijuana for nearly a week (he arrived on Wednesday). And he said that on Thursday and Friday there were a lot of military vehicles and military personnel out on the Zona streets (especially on Friday) in addition to the regular number of regular policia. QW confirmed to me that there now seems to be a lot more private security on Coahuila Ave.

It seemed that most of the time I saw the regular Tijuana policia on Sunday and Monday they were not searching mongers and tourists, but instead rounding up rateros and placing them in the back of their pick-up trucks. But realize that I spent most of my time during this short visit in the HDS hotel, and not on the street.

[Hargow20]

Does anyone have any recent news about the police shakedowns and muggings. ? Was down last month and got mugged on Cohuilla st. Probably heading down in about a week or so. My head will be on a swivel this time.

[CumberlandBlue]

Jet,

I'm still a newbie and infrequent traveler to Tijuana (my 7th trip will be in a month), but here's what I've learned from experience and these pages:

Tips:

- Do not carry anything flashy- anything. Dress to blend in. Carry nothing you can't loose- including a cell phone. Waving a cell phone around or a cheap necklace might get you jumped. So why do it?

- Cell phone use- if you need to use your cell phone- put your back against the wall and watch for thugs.

- Police: If you see cops- just go the other way. Walking past them can be a hassle, so if there's a way not to walk past them by all means try. They are looking for bribes. Carry only the money you need for immediate needs and leave rest at hotel. If police stop you immediately pull money out and hold in hand. They shouldn't touch it (Never had to do this myself). It is legal to carry viagra type drugs- so if they try it do not cave.

- Don't trust anyone on the street who speaks good English. They are deportees and being seen with them makes you a mark. Just say "no se" and keep walking.

- Pesos: oh god pay in pesos. The exchange rate is very good for us- pay everything in pesos, except dollars for tips. There are places to exchange right around the McD's before headed to the line. Exchange before crossing.

- Water- there's 2 Oxxos that are like basic 7/11 type stores- one in the alley and one on the main drag (ie across from entrance to HK).

- Pharm: I have heard the best prices are across from the Wax Museum. I can't vouch but it's on solid advice. Google the museum and it's across from it. I usually hit the last one in the walkway to the taxis just after crossing the line. Last time they tried to jerk me around. If it's not in a sealed strip- it may be fake.

- Taxi: $50 pesos to HK, no need to tip but I always do because I'm gringo. Just clarify as you get in.

- Food: there's a few decent places:

- Sonora Grill across from main entrance to HK (next to Oxxo) - decent food.

- In the alley- when you exit HK take a left, and there's a seafood place there- spacing the name. Never went but it's popular.

- People swear by the street food found all around the alley. I have a pretty strong stomach but the last time I had a taco I think the sauce or the meat was sour and I spent a chunk of my short time in Tijuana on the toilet. Won't do that again.

Now, some will tell you all the above about safety and whatnot is for scared little Pussies and to some degree it is. I've felt safer walking in the zona at night than walking around downtown Los Angeles back when it was zombie central in / around 2000.

- That being said- people will say to keep your head like a swivel- watch all around you and if something feels weird- step into a store. Do not walk near alley entrances or dark places where someone might lurk.

I'm going down to Tijuana next week solo I'm a late 20's white male. I was just curious of how the cops are these days in the zona. I bought a hidden wallet for my money. I'll be staying at a hotel right there. Will I be safe & not hassled by the police during the day. Will I be fine to go to a bar at night on the Main Street. I don't plan to venture off the Main Street at all. If I'm always aware of my surroundings and trust no one.

Tips for due's & don'ts.

Should I leave my cell phone in the hotel?

Should I get pesos for SW?

If the a farmacia right by HK?

Places right near HK to eat and get bottled water?

[Flyer777]

I'm going down to Tijuana next week solo I'm a late 20's white male. I was just curious of how the cops are these days in the zona. I bought a hidden wallet for my money. I'll be staying at a hotel right there. Will I be safe & not hassled by the police during the day. Will I be fine to go to a bar at night on the Main Street. I don't plan to venture off the Main Street at all. If I'm always aware of my surroundings and trust no one.

Tips for due's & don'ts.

Should I leave my cell phone in the hotel?

Should I get pesos for SW?

If the a farmacia right by HK?

Places right near HK to eat and get bottled water?

[Hargow20]

There have been some reports in the general Tijuana reports section that LE has been stopping driver with US plates and extracting bribes from them. We need to be reporting incidents of extortions from cops.