Security in Mexico City

Car Thefts

The most common problem in Mexico City is with car parts stolen from vehicles left in the street. This is something that you can prevent easily and cheaply. Follow a few suggestions.

The hood, headlights, wheels, steering wheels and car doors can be equipped with inexpensive, efficient enhanced security locks that are available locally. Car alarms are also a valid option. A prospective thief will pick a car that is easy to break into. By adding security features to your car, the thief may be deterred by a series of barriers or technical complications. Your budget is the limit to the number of theft deterrents you add to your car.

A reliable, trusted small family business is located at Manuel Ma. Contreras 71, behind the TelMex building. For years they have assisted clients with their car problems. They specialize in automotive electrification. However, if they can assist you in other areas, including specific steps to enhance automotive security, they will. Arrange an appointment by calling them ahead of time. Ask for Javier or Pedro Castillo at 5546-9340 or 5535-6501.

Do not leave your car in the street or with valet parking. Pay for a well-lit public parking lot with a 24-hour attendant. The safest situation is when you park the car yourself. Lock the car.

Should you find that your car has been stolen or is missing, immediately report the incident to your insurance agent and follow these instructions:

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• If the car was towed away by the police, try calling Locatel at 5658-1111. Be prepared to provide exact information on where the vehicle was left.
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• If your car is stolen at odd hours of the night, tell the adjustor you prefer to go home, and file the police report the following day. He will join you in the entire process. The reimbursement procedure and amount you will be paid is, of course, based on what you had already agreed to with the insurance company.

The Mexican police do have an efficient work force, and chances are you may get your car back, although this isn't always the case. Police sources indicate that fancy cars or cars in high demand are normally sent to countries in Central and South America, and in some cases to Eastern Europe, by ship. Sophisticated international criminal gangs are involved.

Armed Robbery

The more prepared you are at home or in the office to deter the unlawful access to your premises, the less chances exist you will ever suffer an armed robbery. Most importantly, always be on the alert at the time you arrive or leave. Make sure before you open your garage or front door that no one is waiting to rob you. If you see something suspicious, continue driving around the block, call 060, or simply delay your entrance by contacting family or the building attendant. 

If you are mugged or robbed in a public place:

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• Do not panic.
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• Robbers work against the clock, soon it will be over.
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• People are killed while being robbed in the streets by involuntarily making the armed assailants believe that you are resisting. Don't resist.
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• Understand that the criminals may be drugged, drunk or inexperienced - and as scared as you are.
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• Do not make sudden moves, especially if you see deadly weapons like a knife or gun.
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• Your hands are the most important element criminals worry about, have them up on the air, well visible. Try to remain calm.
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• Don't be surprised if you are shouted at and insulted. Maintain calm. Don't yell back.
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• Quickly hand over the valuables or money that they want.

Life is the most precious thing you have. Do not put yourself or anybody around you at risk unnecessarily. After the robbery, go to your police station to file a police report.

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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