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Security Issues In Mexico
- By Bobby Castro
- Published 12/27/2011
- Destinations
- Unrated
Bobby Castro
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Security Issues In Mexico
In the movie "Man on Fire", actor Denzel Washington acted as a bodyguard to the family of Dakota Fanning. The main issue was the kidnap for ransom of the child to be paid. While this may seem to be fiction, there is a grain of reality present in this Hollywood film set in the streets of Mexico.
The main issue nowadays is called express kidnapping. This occurs when a victim who has been abducted after getting into a taxi and the taxi is then commandeered after some distance where the victim is forced to withdraw money. The individual is also divested of personal belongings such as jewelry, watches, phones or other possessions. In some instances, the victim is raped or physically injured before being released. This is a departure from the kidnap for ransom tactic because of the need to gain quick money with the least amount of risk.
There are ways to avoid this while in Mexico and other South American countries. Follow these tips to be safe while on the streets of Mexico:
1. Avoid illegal taxis. Do especially avoid taxis where there is a passenger in the front seat or share a fare tactics. It would be best to use taxi companies that are well known.
2. On Roads. When using public transportation, it would be best to blend into the local scene and have as few discernible foreigner markings as possible. If alone on a rural road, it would be best to avoid traveling alone or during daylight hours if possible.
3. Night Life. Watch out for your drinks when in clubs as someone may slip a drug to incapacitate people. Avoid offers for cigarettes or gum as these may also be laced with these drugs.
4. Regularity. Know all the police stations and have as many routes as possible. When using ATMs avoid dark unlit areas and it would be best to use them when in falls. Pay attention to people around you to be safe.
5. Confrontation. When confronted, it is best to give them what they want. Calling attention may only put you in graver danger as giving them your valuables would only e the best act to do in the given situation.
When you see someone else being abducted, do not play the hero. It would be best to report the matter to the authorities. If you do get kidnapped, reporting the same not only to the local authorities but also to your consulate can only help to provide you the security you may need before becoming the "Man on Fire."
The main issue nowadays is called express kidnapping. This occurs when a victim who has been abducted after getting into a taxi and the taxi is then commandeered after some distance where the victim is forced to withdraw money. The individual is also divested of personal belongings such as jewelry, watches, phones or other possessions. In some instances, the victim is raped or physically injured before being released. This is a departure from the kidnap for ransom tactic because of the need to gain quick money with the least amount of risk.
There are ways to avoid this while in Mexico and other South American countries. Follow these tips to be safe while on the streets of Mexico:
1. Avoid illegal taxis. Do especially avoid taxis where there is a passenger in the front seat or share a fare tactics. It would be best to use taxi companies that are well known.
2. On Roads. When using public transportation, it would be best to blend into the local scene and have as few discernible foreigner markings as possible. If alone on a rural road, it would be best to avoid traveling alone or during daylight hours if possible.
3. Night Life. Watch out for your drinks when in clubs as someone may slip a drug to incapacitate people. Avoid offers for cigarettes or gum as these may also be laced with these drugs.
4. Regularity. Know all the police stations and have as many routes as possible. When using ATMs avoid dark unlit areas and it would be best to use them when in falls. Pay attention to people around you to be safe.
5. Confrontation. When confronted, it is best to give them what they want. Calling attention may only put you in graver danger as giving them your valuables would only e the best act to do in the given situation.
When you see someone else being abducted, do not play the hero. It would be best to report the matter to the authorities. If you do get kidnapped, reporting the same not only to the local authorities but also to your consulate can only help to provide you the security you may need before becoming the "Man on Fire."