Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Captain Solo]

Saturday afternoon about 3 PM we were walking at the corner of Contitucion and Coahuila when 3 shots rang out. A guy was running but fell dead face down on the door step of hotel Rapido.

Policias removed the body quickly but blocked off that side of Contitucion for investigation. Street girls resumed their trade like any normal day while policias were scurrying around.

This stretch of sidewalk had many murders over the last few years. I personally saw 3 murders in the day time right in front of me and knew of a few more, plus a police shot a guy in the leg in front of bar Malquerida. Just so you know the risks of gun violence in that area.

[Nothing24]

Actually, Uber is much safer than taxi's on a number of levels. Taxi kidnap / robbery MO. You're in the car and they take you to a place you didn't ask to be taken where their buddies await you, rob you, stab you just for the hell of it, laugh, piss on you, and leave you there, maybe dead, maybe alive. It's not necessarily the driver's accomplices, but wolves who coerce the cabbie to aid in the kidnapping by threatening their family. Another MO is the driver's buddies get into the back seat with you, one on each side, stab you just to incapacitate you, take you somewhere and milk your account dry over several days while you bleed. Then they stab you some more for good measure, or kill you. I live in Baja. I drive. I've seen things. I've heard things. A healthy dose of paranoia will keep you alive.

This reminded me of a couple years ago back when the newer entry way coming from the US was open, when I crossed into Mexico I was going to take a cab to the zona and right when I was about to get in the passenger seat the taxi driver was going to allow a couple of shady looking guys into the back seat. I said wait what's going on? The driver said oh don't worry, Im gonna drop you off first and then these guys just need a ride to the airport. Keep in mind these guys didnt even have any luggage. I quickly turned around and started to walk away at a steady pace. I didn't even bother questioning the illogical thinking on his part. It was clearly a set up. Only time it's happened to me. I don't even remember what I ended up doing after that.

[Travv]

There's just something about walking into your hotel room after a long flight, flinging your suitcase (and yourself) on the bed, and officially entering vacation mode. It just feels all sorts of right, doesn't it? Well, apparently, there's one thing about that equation that's all sorts of wrong, according to experts. Namely, the whole flinging-your-suitcase-on-the-bed part.

Believe it or not, the best place to put your luggage when you're staying in a hotel isn't on the bed. Or on the floor. Or even shoved inside the closet on one of those luggage rack thingies. Nope; the smartest travelers know to store their suitcases in the hotel bathroom—or better yet, inside the shower or tub.

The reason behind it is simpler than you might think, but it might make your skin crawl: bed bugs. These teeny tiny critters hide inside beds, couches, and clothing, and feast on the blood of humans to survive. (Sounds like something out of a horror movie, doesn't it?) And if they're present in the room, they'll happily jump from the bed to your luggage and into your clothing, if given the chance.

"Travelers should avoid placing their luggage on upholstered surfaces and the bed when they arrive at their destination, since bed bugs are typically found on mattresses, box springs, and in the crevices of furniture and inside upholstery," says Brittany Campbell, Ph. The. , staff entomologist for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

Full article: google: this-entomologist-has-a-travel-warning-always-put-your-suitcase-in-the-hotel-bathroom.

[Hargow20]

There was a lot of crime back then and the ratero's were very active. Things have improved a lot in the Zona. But it is always a good idea to keep your guard up in the Zona. I was fairly concerned that that there bandito's would become more active during the recent cartel violence about a month ago. Thankfully nothing changed much.

This was about 6 yrs ago. Theres an endless list of ways they will get you, which makes it more important to emphasize mentally preparing yourself everyday, to happily give your stuff to someone if they ask. Unless you can sprint to hk front door within 20 seconds and don't see a weapon. In my case it was a 21 yr old looking girl who asked me for sex. I said no. Then she asked for a dollar. She was walking, in club clothes, she wasn't a stand in street Professional street girl. The reason it turned into a robbery without me having chance to run, was I grabbed a five from my pocket. Not the single. Otherwise if I gave her 1 and then the robbery starts I probably run. But in this case biwas looking for the single then she goes for myb5 dollar bill then a dude wants my phone, having never been robbed I laughed. Like really dude? Your gona take my phone from me. ? It was worth 30 dollars. I'm trying to keep six hands out of my pockets and lasted a good 40 seconds till the 3 more of them jump in and choke me out. At this point I have no passport now or wallet or jacket or phone. I leave maxixe and don't return for 1 year. If this happens to me in USA, at my point in life, with my low patience, there's 100% chance they would of all suffered tremendously for what they did to me. They could killed me as they dropped me head 1st on the cement or punched or stabbed my head.

[Dogers69]

How long ago did this happen? These days muggings are not much of a problem so long as you stay in the Zona. Nino's Heros south of the alley is a bit risky at times. It is always a good idea to see who is walking behind you in the Zona. If you see someone that looks shady. Face towards them & wait for them to walk by. Or face sideways. It is also a good idea to follow crime news in Tijuana & Mexico. Quite often when there is cartel problems the bandito's are more active.

This was about 6 yrs ago. Theres an endless list of ways they will get you, which makes it more important to emphasize mentally preparing yourself everyday, to happily give your stuff to someone if they ask. Unless you can sprint to hk front door within 20 seconds and don't see a weapon. In my case it was a 21 yr old looking girl who asked me for sex. I said no. Then she asked for a dollar. She was walking, in club clothes, she wasn't a stand in street Professional street girl. The reason it turned into a robbery without me having chance to run, was I grabbed a five from my pocket. Not the single. Otherwise if I gave her 1 and then the robbery starts I probably run. But in this case biwas looking for the single then she goes for myb5 dollar bill then a dude wants my phone, having never been robbed I laughed. Like really dude? Your gona take my phone from me. ? It was worth 30 dollars. I'm trying to keep six hands out of my pockets and lasted a good 40 seconds till the 3 more of them jump in and choke me out. At this point I have no passport now or wallet or jacket or phone. I leave maxixe and don't return for 1 year. If this happens to me in USA, at my point in life, with my low patience, there's 100% chance they would of all suffered tremendously for what they did to me. They could killed me as they dropped me head 1st on the cement or punched or stabbed my head.

[Hargow20]

How long ago did this happen? These days muggings are not much of a problem so long as you stay in the Zona. Nino's Heros south of the alley is a bit risky at times. It is always a good idea to see who is walking behind you in the Zona. If you see someone that looks shady. Face towards them & wait for them to walk by. Or face sideways. It is also a good idea to follow crime news in Tijuana & Mexico. Quite often when there is cartel problems the bandito's are more active.

Tijuana danger is my specialty. I got choked out walking 150 feet from hk front entrance. I was not drinking, nor going to bars. I was looking for a hotel as I had finished a tinder date who had went home. The danger for gringo will not be the cartel. Its gona be the broke mexixican, many cases deported from usa, who probably grew up in that's angeles crime mentality. They can and will rob. Stab, kill you because there's little chance of getting arrested for it. Like 1% even if your killed. Posters will say "keep your head up. Watch your suroundings". That's not gona be enough. There's 3 things you have to do to survive Tijuana crime. Every second be ready to give your phone and wallet to anyone who asks for it. They probably won't show you a weapon, and they will be shorter than you. Your instinct is to tell them to take a hike. If it turns physical, they gona stab you, 8 more of their friends you didn't even see will jump in. Now your going to the hospital. Ideally you would bring a junk phone, and have money hidden throughout your body, and passport hidden. If you can't surrender your stuff, you will get messed up. That's what got me. I'd never been robbed before. I come from a part of the country where everyone has a career and makes 130 k or more. I don't know anyone whose been to jail for more than 3 nights. The 2nd thing you have to do, is avoid, getting taken to a room witha girl whose men will beat rob you. These girls roam streets when hard up on money. I had one take me but I ran out and I had told her I was just looking at the room foe later. It was 7 am. 100 feet from hk. Only trust the street girls who stand still and work there for real not wanderers. 3rd thing, is kidnapping. You won't get grabbed in these bars. But if you start meeting girls around Tijuana in bars hotels restaurants you could get kidnapped. They never release kidnapped victims. Otherwise the police taking your money is the last concern. That's avoided by spreading your money out and using ATM to not have more than 400 at any moment. And don't talk to anyone on the street. Anyone who talks to a gringo on street is lining them up for $$.

[Thunder52]

I've traveled quite a bit in 3rd world countries. My advice for all of them:

1. if you go anywhere at night, take a cab.

Actually, Uber is much safer than taxi's on a number of levels. Taxi kidnap / robbery MO. You're in the car and they take you to a place you didn't ask to be taken where their buddies await you, rob you, stab you just for the hell of it, laugh, piss on you, and leave you there, maybe dead, maybe alive. It's not necessarily the driver's accomplices, but wolves who coerce the cabbie to aid in the kidnapping by threatening their family. Another MO is the driver's buddies get into the back seat with you, one on each side, stab you just to incapacitate you, take you somewhere and milk your account dry over several days while you bleed. Then they stab you some more for good measure, or kill you. I live in Baja. I drive. I've seen things. I've heard things. A healthy dose of paranoia will keep you alive.

[Travv]

Two additional points. Pepper spray in legal in Baja California. You might want to keep a small pepper spray hidden in your hand when you are walking around, especially on Constitucion. If it is not handy, you won't have it when you get jumped by 3 or 4 deportees and choked out. 2 d, the deportees hide around corners and in doorways and wait for victims to walk past at close range. Thus you can tell the savvy traveler because he walks in the street, preferably in the middle, far from corners and doorways. Very difficult to run up to someone and jump him and choke him out in the middle of the street in full view of passing vehicles, although I had 2 guys try to do it once! I easily spotted them in time waiting by a corner and took evasive action. Avoid the sidewalk, especially at dusk and night if you can. Once on Constitucion I got a dude to back off by pointing the pepper spray at his face and telling him repeatedly to "Dejeme in Paz!" Finally he gave up and backed off.

Tijuana danger is my specialty. I got choked out walking 150 feet from hk front entrance. I was not drinking, nor going to bars. I was looking for a hotel as I had finished a tinder date who had went home. The danger for gringo will not be the cartel. Its gona be the broke mexixican, many cases deported from usa, who probably grew up in that's angeles crime mentality. They can and will rob. Stab, kill you because there's little chance of getting arrested for it. Like 1% even if your killed. Posters will say "keep your head up. Watch your suroundings". That's not gona be enough. There's 3 things you have to do to survive Tijuana crime. Every second be ready to give your phone and wallet to anyone who asks for it. They probably won't show you a weapon, and they will be shorter than you. Your instinct is to tell them to take a hike. If it turns physical, they gona stab you, 8 more of their friends you didn't even see will jump in. Now your going to the hospital. Ideally you would bring a junk phone, and have money hidden throughout your body, and passport hidden. If you can't surrender your stuff, you will get messed up. That's what got me. I'd never been robbed before. I come from a part of the country where everyone has a career and makes 130 k or more. I don't know anyone whose been to jail for more than 3 nights. The 2nd thing you have to do, is avoid, getting taken to a room witha girl whose men will beat rob you. These girls roam streets when hard up on money. I had one take me but I ran out and I had told her I was just looking at the room foe later. It was 7 am. 100 feet from hk. Only trust the street girls who stand still and work there for real not wanderers. 3rd thing, is kidnapping. You won't get grabbed in these bars. But if you start meeting girls around Tijuana in bars hotels restaurants you could get kidnapped. They never release kidnapped victims. Otherwise the police taking your money is the last concern. That's avoided by spreading your money out and using ATM to not have more than 400 at any moment. And don't talk to anyone on the street. Anyone who talks to a gringo on street is lining them up for $$.

[DramaFree11]

Tijuana has some extremely dangerous neighborhoods, but you'd have to go looking for them to find them. A staggering percentage of the violence in Tijuana is drug-related. If you go looking for trouble in Tijuana you most certainly will find it. If you go looking to score drugs you're asking for trouble. If you go looking to cheat or rip off a dealer you will find yourself in a world of shit.

As you will be going to the Zona Norte, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is an extremely bad neighborhood, but the DMZ, as it were, is the area where the clubs are. Do NOT get drunk and wander off. You don't want to wander west of Ninos Heroes, or north of Coahuila (up to Chicago Club is OK). There are lots of drugs, and dealers, in the Zona Norte, and you don't want any part of them. Stay reasonably sober, maintain situational awareness when transiting between clubs, and take a taxi at night and you'll be fine for your first trip.

For the most part I felt very safe in Tijuana. Now in Houston, it was a different story, I almost never felt safe especially at night. This is one of the reasons why I left, for Austin. I have always felt safe in Mexico, with the exceptions of Laredo and Del Rio. Now when I was in MDE I never felt safe.

[Captain Solo]

Above and beyond just hot girls, I also try to balance my interests in food, sights, music, arts, entertainment, history, culture, and friendship with local people in every country I traveled to.

I went alone into many risky areas in search of the unique local experiences. In Mexico I drove out to Zonas Tolerancias on dirt roads way outside the cities of Cancun, PdCarmen, La Paz, Puerta Vallarta, Cabo, San Jose ect in pitch black nights, partied with locals, bagged a few hot girls. Cancun's then Plaza 2000 was 10 or more miles East of the city, with unmarked roads, no street lights in pitch-black night, no traffic. It was before Google Map time, I got really lost in the maze of dark roads trying to get back to Zona Hoteleria, had to flag down a taxi to follow him back hehe.

There are many cheap non stop flights from Tijuana to Monterrey, Mexico City, Cancun, Oaxxaca, Guadalajara, Acapulco, Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan ect. Each nonstop flights costs only $40-50. Would be so much fun to check out each location for 2 to 3 days then fly on to the next. It's so easy and cheap to book flights, rides and lodging online.

I know this is not the right thread, but for noobs to Mexico, perhaps the seasoned bros can suggest itineraries for quick trips from Tijuana to a couple cities, where hot girls, good food, fun entertainment, unique culture and life styles can be found.

Just enjoy the sights, food, and warmth of the Mexican people. I don't speak fluent Spanish. They seem to go out of their way to be friendly and take care of you, but you guys just stay in the Zona which is a tourist trap and your suckers ready to be plucked. Hope one day you get to experience the real Mexico. I've been enjoying my time living in the city and traveling all around.

[Dogers69]

I always wonder about this. I'm planning my first Tijuana trip shortky and I can't find any clear understanding of how dangerous it is. I can't tell if it's safe to hardened thugs here or if its dangerous to scared punks knowing thatit's most likely someonewhere in the middle. I know I have to see for myself to have a real understanding but still, I can't help but wonder in advance.

Tijuana danger is my specialty. I got choked out walking 150 feet from hk front entrance. I was not drinking, nor going to bars. I was looking for a hotel as I had finished a tinder date who had went home. The danger for gringo will not be the cartel. Its gona be the broke mexixican, many cases deported from usa, who probably grew up in that's angeles crime mentality. They can and will rob. Stab, kill you because there's little chance of getting arrested for it. Like 1% even if your killed. Posters will say "keep your head up. Watch your suroundings". That's not gona be enough. There's 3 things you have to do to survive Tijuana crime. Every second be ready to give your phone and wallet to anyone who asks for it. They probably won't show you a weapon, and they will be shorter than you. Your instinct is to tell them to take a hike. If it turns physical, they gona stab you, 8 more of their friends you didn't even see will jump in. Now your going to the hospital. Ideally you would bring a junk phone, and have money hidden throughout your body, and passport hidden. If you can't surrender your stuff, you will get messed up. That's what got me. I'd never been robbed before. I come from a part of the country where everyone has a career and makes 130 k or more. I don't know anyone whose been to jail for more than 3 nights. The 2nd thing you have to do, is avoid, getting taken to a room witha girl whose men will beat rob you. These girls roam streets when hard up on money. I had one take me but I ran out and I had told her I was just looking at the room foe later. It was 7 am. 100 feet from hk. Only trust the street girls who stand still and work there for real not wanderers. 3rd thing, is kidnapping. You won't get grabbed in these bars. But if you start meeting girls around Tijuana in bars hotels restaurants you could get kidnapped. They never release kidnapped victims. Otherwise the police taking your money is the last concern. That's avoided by spreading your money out and using ATM to not have more than 400 at any moment. And don't talk to anyone on the street. Anyone who talks to a gringo on street is lining them up for $$.

[Boomshaka]

I always wonder about this. I'm planning my first Tijuana trip shortky and I can't find any clear understanding of how dangerous it is. I can't tell if it's safe to hardened thugs here or if its dangerous to scared punks knowing thatit's most likely someonewhere in the middle

I've traveled quite a bit in 3rd world countries. My advice for all of them:

1. if you go anywhere at night, take a cab. If you drive, make sure you know your route there and back before you leave and don't tailgate. You may need to get out of your lane quickly and you can't do that if you follow too close.

2. dress down. Leave jewelry at home / hotel safe. I don't even bring a wallet when I go out. Just cash, phone and ID. People can tell you're not a local simply by your demeanor, not need to attract extra attention to yourself.

3. keep your wits about you. If you have a problem holding your liquor then don't drink. Seriously last thing you want is to be passed out or stumbling down the street. In some countries that's a good way to get shaken down by the cops.

4. if you have to deal with the police, smile and be polite. Especially in a tourist destination. The "ugly American" (if that's your nationality) is a real thing. Don't feed into it.

That's about it. Follow those tips and you should be good anywhere you travel.

[KBToys]

No thugs. No punks. No tough guys. So a lot of mongers have a warm and fuzzy feeling of safety. And there is a weird sense of comradery among mongers, and we are all in a good mood since we all just got laid. I have never seen a fight between mongers in any club in the last 10+ years.

But underneath it all, there are the cartels. The cartel have recently as a month ago declared war on the police and shut the city down. Thousands of national guards / military / special forces were brought in to ensure peace. Also the police are corrupted as hell. You could get mugged by the police, except we call it a shakedown here.

Here is the link to the 2022 murder per capita -.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o..._homicide_rate

I actually feel better being able to pay 500-1000 pesos for my infractions than dealing with the court system in the USA Speeding ticket in USA Cost me $300-$400 plus increase in insurance premiums. Tijuana speeding ticket costs 500-1000 pesos and no record. I drive it like I stole it and only been stopped a handful of times. Good times and people scared of Tijuana have probably never traveled outside of their small cities. Living in the city really makes you more aware of your surroundings. Most people in Tijuana are friendlier than in the USA They always greet you with good morning, day or night and to enjoy your food. I don't think I've heard any stranger in the USA Telling me good morning, day or night unless it was family.

I've been to different Mexican states that the USA Say is dangerous, but if you aren't looking for trouble, then it most likely won't find you. If you're trying to source drugs, then you might attract the wrong attention. Just enjoy the sights, food, and warmth of the Mexican people. I don't speak fluent Spanish. They seem to go out of their way to be friendly and take care of you, but you guys just stay in the Zona which is a tourist trap and your suckers ready to be plucked. Hope one day you get to experience the real Mexico. I've been enjoying my time living in the city and traveling all around.

[Baxter Slade]

Tijuana has some extremely dangerous neighborhoods, but you'd have to go looking for them to find them. A staggering percentage of the violence in Tijuana is drug-related. If you go looking for trouble in Tijuana you most certainly will find it. If you go looking to score drugs you're asking for trouble. If you go looking to cheat or rip off a dealer you will find yourself in a world of shit.

As you will be going to the Zona Norte, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is an extremely bad neighborhood, but the DMZ, as it were, is the area where the clubs are. Do NOT get drunk and wander off. You don't want to wander west of Ninos Heroes, or north of Coahuila (up to Chicago Club is OK). There are lots of drugs, and dealers, in the Zona Norte, and you don't want any part of them. Stay reasonably sober, maintain situational awareness when transiting between clubs, and take a taxi at night and you'll be fine for your first trip.

That was some great advice given by phordphan. I'm in Tijuana almost every weekend and just to give you an idea I'm one step away from elderly and as gringo as they come. For some odd reason I feel safer in Tijuana than LA.

I look back and totally see where those who have never made the trip let there mind create all kind of thoughts on all the bad things that will happen to you south of the border. Make the trip and have the time of your life.

[Phordphan]

I always wonder about this. I'm planning my first Tijuana trip shortky and I can't find any clear understanding of how dangerous it is. I can't tell if it's safe to hardened thugs here or if its dangerous to scared punks knowing thatit's most likely someonewhere in the middle. I know I have to see for myself to have a real understanding but still, I can't help but wonder in advance.

Tijuana has some extremely dangerous neighborhoods, but you'd have to go looking for them to find them. A staggering percentage of the violence in Tijuana is drug-related. If you go looking for trouble in Tijuana you most certainly will find it. If you go looking to score drugs you're asking for trouble. If you go looking to cheat or rip off a dealer you will find yourself in a world of shit.

As you will be going to the Zona Norte, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is an extremely bad neighborhood, but the DMZ, as it were, is the area where the clubs are. Do NOT get drunk and wander off. You don't want to wander west of Ninos Heroes, or north of Coahuila (up to Chicago Club is OK). There are lots of drugs, and dealers, in the Zona Norte, and you don't want any part of them. Stay reasonably sober, maintain situational awareness when transiting between clubs, and take a taxi at night and you'll be fine for your first trip.