Security in Mexico City

The Global Context

While evidence shows that Mexico has a serious growing problem with crime, what goes on in this area of the world as reported by international media is alarmist and without consideration of a global context. A more realist approach wouuld be to evaluate and assess the issue of public safety in Mexico from a variety of reliable, objective sources. This section intends to put you in reach of this type of content.

Due Diligence

Our intention is to have you evaluate, for your own benefit, a variety of reputable information sources on violent crime and crime statistics. This way you can gain knowledge about the current risks that truly exist in Mexico, rather than arrive with a head full of sensationalistic stereotypes. These websites would be a good place to start your research. 

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/ BBC home page. Search "mexico" for recent articles.
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• http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/ Compare to current crime statistics in the USA.
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• http://www.uncjin.org/Special/GlobalReport.html The United Nation's Global Report on Crime and Justice
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• http://www.uncjin.org/ The United Nations Crime and Justice Information Network
  
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• http://www.who.int/en/ Home page of the World Health Organization
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• http://www.nationmaster.com/country/mx-mexico/cri-crime Mexico-specific crime statistics

Statistics from the Mexico City Judicial Police

A point well made by the DF's Attorney General's Office is that despite growing economic problems, the criminal trends reveal a reduction in crime, although the Attorney General has admitted a slight increase in kidnapping express. Since most citizens do not report crimes, it is difficult to be in a position to better discuss the true state of public safety and crime and Mexico City. Despite this fact, Mexico City government does publish detailed yearly crime statistics, beginning from 1994, and they are available at http://www.pgjdf.gob.mx/estadisticas/. The most frequent violent crimes in Mexico City are carjacking, car thefts and armed robbery.

Carjacking

Always do your best, when leaving your house or hotel room, to remain alert of your surroundings. Additonally, to be prepared in case of a carjacking, keep copies of the following information at home, at work and inside your wallet: your license plate number, your tarjeta de circulación number (for registered Mexico City drivers), your driver's license number and - if possible - your engine's serial number, which is useful information for police reports.

Other suggestions for safe driving in Mexico City:

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• Drive with the windows closed and the doors locked.
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• Don't leave valuables in plain sight. Move them to the trunk.
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• Plan your routes to and from work avoiding crime-ridden areas.
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• If you are driving late at night, try to stay away from streets that have traffic lights. If you're unable to do this and you suspect that a dangerous situation may arise, carefully, without creating an accident, run through the traffic light.

Should You Be the Victim of a Carjacking

If someone approaches your car with a gun screaming for you to get out, do as you are told and try to remain calm. Do not panic; follow instructions given to you carefully. Your assailant may be in as much a state of shock as you. He also could be drugged, drunk or both.

What you do with your hands is indicative of your intentions. People lose their lives by making sudden moves, unknowingly creating a sense of panic for the robber that may end fatally for you. Move your hands slowly and visibly. Inform the assailant you are releasing your safety belt, and do so slowly, calmly.

f it's just the car he wants, let him take it. Your insurance company will reimburse you. Once you feel that the immediate danger has passed, try to relax and think of your next move. Walk to a nearby business or hotel where, if you explain what has happened, they will allow you to use the phone. An office colleague or family member could pick you up, or you can call for a 24-hour radio taxi (5516-6020). Once you are in a safe place, report the problem to your insurance company. Then call the police.

In all cases, try to discreetly memorize the assailant's description or license plate numbers of other cars involved. Notice any unusual or prominent characteristics of your assailants. Also keep in mind that, though you may not see them, the assailant may be a part of a gang that is watching the scene from a distance. 

By Mario Gonzalez-Roman, a retired Foreign Service National Security Advisor to the United States Embassy, currently a private Security Consultant, columnist at www.securitycornermexico.com

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