Crime, Safety, and the Police

[Efjayel]

I wouldn't trust using my ATM in mexico anyways. I've seen how people device ways to steal your card without ever touching it. Like implanting a scanner on the machine that reads your card when you insert it, then a camera that records you entering your pin. After reading your card, they'll use a card copier on a writable magnetic card like the kind they have at hotels. Then they can go to any ATM insert their fake copy of your ATM card and be able to take out money. And this scam is done a lot in the US.

I always make sure to take enough money when I visit Tj.

[Country John]

Here's an alert based on following the police arrest reports here in TJ as well as scanning a few other reports:

DO NOT VISIT AN ATM MACHINE ALONE.

HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU WHO CAN KEEP PRYING EYES (OR PEOPLE WITH CEL PHONE CAMERAS) AWAY FROM THE MACHINE WHILE YOU ARE USING IT.

HERE IS THE SCAM:

You enter an ATM machine to get money to fuck your favorita, the guy waiting behind you or to one side appears to be using his cel phone. He is actually running a video of you entering your pin. You exit with your cash, you get rolled for your cash and your atm card.

Also, NEVER permit anyone to "assist you" with your transaction. The ATM machines in TJ might be a bit slower than stateside soyou might get the idea that there is a problem when there ain't one. Bubba knows this and offers to "help" you. Bubba has a hundred old ATM cards in his pocket one one looks just like yours. after he "helps" you he switches cards and you end up witha card belonging to some old lady.

It's an old scam, but these guys are back in busines and are apparetnly more agressive.

NEVER GO TO THE ATM ALONE, NEVER PERMIT ANYONE TO GET CLOSE OR "ASSIST" YOU.

[Country John]

While the cartels are not targeting civilians not involved in the drug trade a number of innocents have died from stray bullets.

This is a true statement, but the shootings are not "random." IN the USA, many of the shootings ARE random, and that frightens the shit out of me.

The Zona is about as safe a place you can go these days....seriously.

[Reinaldo]

It's NOT that bad. Far as I know, none of the killings have been in the zona nor monger related. They're all being commited within the drug cartels and law enforcement. They have no reason to target civilians or tourists, and especially in a crowded area like the Zona.

While the cartels are not targeting civilians not involved in the drug trade a number of innocents have died from stray bullets.

[Efjayel]

this is amazing.. I didnt realize it was that bad! I havent been down in a year and a half but wanted to go down probably 3-4 months back but the killings scared me off. I am surprised so many people are still going and that the prices are the same with this and the economy being bad!

It's NOT that bad. Far as I know, none of the killings have been in the zona nor monger related. They're all being commited within the drug cartels and law enforcement. They have no reason to target civilians or tourists, and especially in a crowded area like the Zona.

[Country John]

I'm not surprised at all. Look at it this way: despite the rise in prices over the past few years (I remember when you could get an AB girl for $40+room), the going price for some stunner from Hottie Central is still 7 to 10 times less than what you'd pay for a provider of similar quality in most places on the other side of the border.

Besides, even a sour economy like ours doesn't override the fact that guys still have "needs" to be taken care of. I'd much rather pay $70 in Zona Norte than $300-$700+ in the U.S. (even though I still think $70 is more than I'd want to pay). That, plus getting a BBBJCIM from a bargirl isn't going to get me thrown in the slammer like it will in the States.

Despite the goings-on here in TJ, sex sells. I think it along with the mortuary business are sure bets in any economy.

Personal security is important. I'll post the name and number of a certified safe Taxi Libre driver for those of you who want that extra margin of safety. I have no connection financially to Taxi Libre and no interest in the profits therefrom.

TJ is a dangerous place if you are trying to set up a trade route for smuggling dope into the USA, or if you are in law enforcement here. It's always had it's margin of danger in the "crooksville" known as the Zona Norte, but they are still a LONG want from opening fire on the hands that feed them.

Country John

[Smut Villain]

this is amazing.. I didnt realize it was that bad! I havent been down in a year and a half but wanted to go down probably 3-4 months back but the killings scared me off. I am surprised so many people are still going and that the prices are the same with this and the economy being bad!

I'm not surprised at all. Look at it this way: despite the rise in prices over the past few years (I remember when you could get an AB girl for $40+room), the going price for some stunner from Hottie Central is still 7 to 10 times less than what you'd pay for a provider of similar quality in most places on the other side of the border.

Besides, even a sour economy like ours doesn't override the fact that guys still have "needs" to be taken care of. I'd much rather pay $70 in Zona Norte than $300-$700+ in the U.S. (even though I still think $70 is more than I'd want to pay). That, plus getting a BBBJCIM from a bargirl isn't going to get me thrown in the slammer like it will in the States.

[California Guy]

More than 350 people killed in TJ in the past 2 months?

http://www.kpbs.org/borderbattle

Are the these numbers right?
Maybe for Afghanistan not for TJ, how accurate is this?

this is amazing.. I didnt realize it was that bad! I havent been down in a year and a half but wanted to go down probably 3-4 months back but the killings scared me off. I am surprised so many people are still going and that the prices are the same with this and the economy being bad!

[Country John]

More than 350 people killed in TJ in the past 2 months?

http://www.kpbs.org/borderbattle

Are the these numbers right?
Maybe for Afghanistan not for TJ, how accurate is this?

Yes, the numbers are right.

If the narcos opened up on the civilian population or on the the toruist population, you must agree that the fallout from that would be enormous.

Even the stupid narcos know that if the civilian population gets into the act of eliminating them, if they turn against them in their actions then it's over for sure. If there is a tourist slaughter, the entire effort will get kicked up several notches and who knows what involvement the American government would have.

Mexico is another country of course, but when things regress to a point where the narcos are engaged in terrorist tactics against the civilian population, the governments of Mexico and the USA would come together in a way never seen before. Right now, it's strictly a "domestic issue" as far as the actual killings are concerned, although there have been some incidents state-side directly related to narco activities in Mexico. The trafficing issue spills over into the USA in a big way.

[Member #4450]

More than 350 people killed in TJ in the past 2 months?

http://www.kpbs.org/borderbattle

Are the these numbers right?
Maybe for Afghanistan not for TJ, how accurate is this?

[Sgt Perv]

IMHO,

The less you have on you, the better!

Why looking to get attention, if you need to carry brinks Armour to go to TJ
might as well stay home.

Again if your not doing any diving with the great white shark no need any steel mesh.
LOL!


You mean 7.62x51mm or 7.62x63mm

I have no fear of TJ but I do have respect for what is happening.

A backpack in the tourist area is common and a shield inside it is not noticeable.
Like CJ says I am just keeping the odds more in my favor.

If I thought I was really going to need it, I simply would not go in the first place.
Oh, either round I would be hurting [7.62x51mm nato round ( AK47) or 7.62x63mm high powered game rounds (I do not think they use unless they are sniping)].

[B Dulles]

While watching the TV today, saw an interesting story on TJ, crime and a partnership with San Diego PD. Anyway, they mentioned in the report how one reporter plotted all the murders in TJ on a map. I caught a quick glance at the screen and saw Google maps, so off I went searching.

Anyway, after some lengthy searching I found it. Suprisingly, there is a wide berth around la zona, Revolucion, etc from where murders have taken place. Violence appears concentrated to the east part of the city.

See for yourself:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...4332f5d29&z=11

Also, there was more info and maps at:

http://www.kpbs.org/borderbattle

Seeing as the info is through 11/2008, it is current. I feel better knowing that the violence we all hear about is not happening in the zone.

[Member #4450]

IMHO,
The less you have on you, the better!
Why looking to get attention, if you need to carry brinks Armour to go to TJ
might as well stay home.
Again if your not doing any diving with the great white shark no need any steel mesh LOL!

Sgt Perv Yes a direct hit from a 7.62 round it would be useless but if I am behind a car (7.62 will tear one up) and have the shield between the car and me...then maybe I will not be hurt so bad.

You mean 7.62x51mm or 7.62x63mm

[Country John]

Anybody wants to tackle this multiple-choice question? lol

Originally Posted by Imahustlababy
For those of you who understand Zona Norte sub-culture well. For a multi-day trip, I’d only leave the non-valuables in the hotel room, when i’m not there – some cheap clothes I can part with and hygiene items.

Steel mesh bag around your stuff & chained to a pipe in your hotel room:

A) will help deter hotel cleaners from stealing the non-valuables in it

B) might cause hotel staff tip the police

C) the crafty mexicans will think there's gold inside and cut it up with a steel-cutting saw or those big-ass pliers.

D) Any of the above could happen, who the fuck knows. Don't bother with the steel mesh bag. If they steal the clothes and hygiene items in the backpack, just buy new ones in Tijuana. Pain in the butt, but not the end of the trip fun and fucking.

Here's an example of that steel mesh bag:

http://www0. Shopping.com/xPO-Pacsa...afe-Pacsafe-120

Would love to receive some intelligent, respectful responses – especially like CJ’s.

Cheers!

Let me try to be of further assistance:

Steel mesh bag around your stuff & chained to a pipe in your hotel room:

A) will help deter hotel cleaners from stealing the non-valuables in it

Yes, especially if it is locked and secured to an immovable object.

B) might cause hotel staff tip the police

There is no law against having a steel mesh bag in Mexico, so you have nothing to worry about there.

C) the crafty mexicans will think there's gold inside and cut it up with a steel-cutting saw or those big-ass pliers.

Anything is possible. Some people will steal they eyes out of your head and then come back for the holes. My message to you and everyone else here is that you should do everything you can to "keep the odds in your favor." Not only in Tijuana's Zona Norte, but in life anywhere.

A steel mesh bag secured to an immovable object is better than a canvas bag left in the middle of the floor.

Carrying a State-issued ID in Tijuana is better than carrying your drivers license, unless you are, in fact, driving at the time.

Buying Mexican insurance is better than no insurance if you are driving in Mexico.

See? Just a matter of doing everything you can to keep the odds of harm coming to you as far away as possible.

NOW: if I were you, I would put the Pacsafe mesh INSIDE the bag, not on the outside. Cur a slot in the back of the bag to pass your lock through. This way, the bad guy doesn't see the pacsafe ad from the hallway!

D) Any of the above could happen, who the fuck knows. Don't bother with the steel mesh bag. If they steal the clothes and hygiene items in the backpack, just buy new ones in Tijuana. Pain in the butt, but not the end of the trip fun and fucking.

Yes, but that's not what we started talking about. We started out talking about "Valuables."

Personal hygiene items are popular with the walkers. Disposable pussy razors are cheap at Big-Lots. Buy a bag of pink one's as "throw aways."

Looks like I'm going to have to publish my Zona Survival kit here sometime!!

Country John

[Imahustlababy]

Anybody wants to tackle this multiple-choice question? lol

For those of you who understand Zona Norte sub-culture well. For a multi-day trip, I’d only leave the non-valuables in the hotel room, when i’m not there – some cheap clothes I can part with and hygiene items.

Steel mesh bag around your stuff & chained to a pipe in your hotel room:

A) will help deter hotel cleaners from stealing the non-valuables in it

B) might cause hotel staff tip the police

C) the crafty mexicans will think there's gold inside and cut it up with a steel-cutting saw or those big-ass pliers.

D) Any of the above could happen, who the fuck knows. Don't bother with the steel mesh bag. If they steal the clothes and hygiene items in the backpack, just buy new ones in Tijuana. Pain in the butt, but not the end of the trip fun and fucking.

Here's an example of that steel mesh bag:

http://www0. Shopping.com/xPO-Pacsaf...fe-Pacsafe-120

Would love to receive some intelligent, respectful responses – especially like CJ’s.

Cheers!