Mexico Crime

[davidvel]

There are many threads on TUG about crime in Mexico, statistics comparing the worst parts of the U.S. for murders (St. Louis, Detroit, Chicago, etc) to Mexico. People post about drug shootings in or near resort areas, and others respond that this does not affect tourists. Some state that it's safer in Mexico than in many areas of the U.S. based upon those statistics.

All this data aside, what scares people are the stories about the heinous depravity that occurs south of the border. Despite our horrific inner city murder problem, you don't usually hear of bodies being melted in acid and routine decapitations here (NCIS, and Criminal Minds episodes aside). And generally, the authorities perform a reasonably diligent, professional investigation that is not controlled by narco interests. From just one news article, which is symbolic of thousands more:

• Last month, Mexican rapper Christian Omar Palma Gutierrez’ confessed to dissolving the bodies of three film students in acid at the behest of a drug cartel.
• Two European bicyclists found dead in a ravine in southern Mexico were robbed and murdered
  
• Chmielewski, 37, was shot in the head and found on April 26 about 130 feet below the road he’d been traveling on.
• Hagenbusch, 43, likely died from a head wound sustained during a beating and wasn’t discovered until May 4.
  
• Authorities initially blamed the victims, saying they lost control and fell off the cliff. They also claimed there were no signs of foul play. [Sounds a lot like the drunk kids that drowned in the pool.]
  
• But after Hagenbusch’s brother went to Mexico to identify his sibling’s body, he learned Chmielewski “was decapitated and had a foot missing."

 

[easyrider]

If a person has never been to Mexico, the reports of crime, sickness, corruption , death, kidnapping and all other bad news, combined with the language barrier and sanitation problems, are reasons not to ever go to Mexico.

When a person has been to Mexico, they just know better.

Bill

 

[bogey21]

At one time I lived in Mexico City and have visited friends who live in San Miguel. I never found crime to be a problem at either. On the other hand I stayed away from high crime areas just as I did when I lived in St Louis and avoided East St Louis like the plague.

George

 

[buzglyd]

I wish there was a dead horse icon.

If you're afraid to go, DON'T GO!

BTW, I'm flying to Los Cabos this afternoon. Fishing tomorrow!

 

[VacationForever]

I wish there was a dead horse icon.

If you're afraid to go, DON'T GO!

BTW, I'm flying to Los Cabos this afternoon. Fishing tomorrow!

Very true. We love Westin Lagunamar and the restaurants around that property in Cancun but we have nixed that in the foreseeable future. Dead horse does not need to be beaten again.

 

[Passepartout]

I wish there was a dead horse icon.

Used to be one in the 'old' TUG, but after the change to the new software, it disappeared. I miss it too.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

You can use the image tag to the same effect.

 

[bbodb1]

You can use the image tag to the same effect.

Though the dead creature looks a bit like a crustacean in addition to a horse....

 

[dioxide45]

There are many threads on TUG about crime in Mexico, statistics comparing the worst parts of the U.S. for murders (St. Louis, Detroit, Chicago, etc) to Mexico. People post about drug shootings in or near resort areas, and others respond that this does not affect tourists. Some state that it's safer in Mexico than in many areas of the U.S. based upon those statistics.

All this data aside, what scares people are the stories about the heinous depravity that occurs south of the border. Despite our horrific inner city murder problem, you don't usually hear of bodies being melted in acid and routine decapitations here (NCIS, and Criminal Minds episodes aside). And generally, the authorities perform a reasonably diligent, professional investigation that is not controlled by narco interests. From just one news article, which is symbolic of thousands more:

• Last month, Mexican rapper Christian Omar Palma Gutierrez’ confessed to dissolving the bodies of three film students in acid at the behest of a drug cartel.
• Two European bicyclists found dead in a ravine in southern Mexico were robbed and murdered
  
• Chmielewski, 37, was shot in the head and found on April 26 about 130 feet below the road he’d been traveling on.
• Hagenbusch, 43, likely died from a head wound sustained during a beating and wasn’t discovered until May 4.
  
• Authorities initially blamed the victims, saying they lost control and fell off the cliff. They also claimed there were no signs of foul play. [Sounds a lot like the drunk kids that drowned in the pool.]
  
• But after Hagenbusch’s brother went to Mexico to identify his sibling’s body, he learned Chmielewski “was decapitated and had a foot missing."

Why didn't you add this to the existing thread instead of starting a new one?

https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php?threads/is-cancun-safe-for-travel-in-2018.273916/

 

[TravelTime]

All this data aside, what scares people are the stories about the heinous depravity that occurs south of the border. Despite our horrific inner city murder problem, you don't usually hear of bodies being melted in acid and routine decapitations here (NCIS, and Criminal Minds episodes aside).

Davidel makes a good point. I think this is the difference between most crime and murder in the USA and other developed countries compared to Mexico. If you read the Mexico News Daily https://mexiconewsdaily.com there are stories everyday about a depraved murder or robbery to innocent victims, not just narco violence.

This is one of the most disgusting stories I have read:
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/victim-had-no-money-so-thieves-cut-off-his-hand/

There is a lot of extreme, useless violence in Mexico. The thieves did not need to cut off the victim's hand.

I agree with others that the probability of this happening to you if you stay in your hotel or resort compound on vacation in Mexico is small. Don't leave the hotel zone or explore outside the tourist areas and you should be fine.

 

[VacationForever]

Davidel makes a good point. I think this is the difference between most crime and murder in the USA and other developed countries compared to Mexico. If you read the Mexico News Daily https://mexiconewsdaily.com there are stories everyday about a depraved murder or robbery to innocent victims, not just narco violence.

This is one of the most disgusting stories I have read:
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/victim-had-no-money-so-thieves-cut-off-his-hand/

There is a lot of extreme, useless violence in Mexico. The thieves did not need to cut off the victim's hand.

I agree with others that the probability of this happening to you if you stay in your hotel or resort compound on vacation in Mexico is small. Don't leave the hotel zone or explore outside the tourist areas and you should be fine.

While I agree with you, don't forget MS-13 brutality is all over the world, including right here in the US. The main thing is not to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

[klpca]

Those reports are gruesome but I think that they are a better warning for people who *live* in Mexico vs those who stay in the hotel zone for a week, i.e. "Mexican timesharing", as this forum is about.

I absolutely agree with Buzz, if you don't want to go, then don't go. If you don't want *me* to go, well then thanks for the concern, but my firsthand experience tells me that I am fine to visit a Mexican timeshare.

 

[TravelTime]

Those reports are gruesome but I think that they are a better warning for people who *live* in Mexico vs those who stay in the hotel zone for a week, i.e. "Mexican timesharing", as this forum is about.

I absolutely agree with Buzz, if you don't want to go, then don't go. If you don't want *me* to go, well then thanks for the concern, but my firsthand experience tells me that I am fine to visit a Mexican timeshare.

You should be safe if you stay in your Mexican timeshare and do not wander off to explore how the locals live or drive across Mexico to explore other towns or make a mistake and drive on the wrong streets. We want you to go and enjoy yourself in your timeshare.

I think it is fair for folks reading the Mexico forum to be aware of what is going on in Mexico. It is very cheap to travel to/in Mexico. Maybe tourists should care more about what is happening to the Mexican people. I see this as a human rights issue for the Mexican people. It is very unfair that tourists get special security because the Mexicans want their money, while the locals are scared and suffering. Every time I read someone commenting that the violence is outside the hotel zones, I cringe at how insensitive this is to the Mexican people who live outside the hotel zones.

 

[klpca]

You should be safe if you stay in your Mexican timeshare and do not wander off to explore how the locals live or drive across Mexico to explore other towns or make a mistake and drive on the wrong streets. We want you to go and enjoy yourself in your timeshare.

I think it is fair for folks reading the Mexico forum to be aware of what is going on in Mexico. It is very cheap to travel to/in Mexico. Maybe tourists should care more about what is happening to the Mexican people. I see this as a human rights issue for the Mexican people. It is very unfair that tourists get special security because the Mexicans want their money, while the locals are scared and suffering. Every time I read someone commenting that the violence is outside the hotel zones, I cringe at how insensitive this is to the Mexican people who live outside the hotel zones.

What the Mexican people are being forced to live with is absolutely unconscionable. However, I'm not sure that staying away would help them at all. I don't mind people sharing some information to make everyone's trip safer, but after a while it's the same information shared over and over and it just makes me wonder what the point is?

 

[TravelTime]

Some Tuggers have said if you don't feel comfortable going to Mexico, then don't go but don't try to tell them where to go (although no one has told anyone not to go so not sure where that came from).

In the same vein, if Tuggers do not want to read about crime in Mexico, then they do not need to read the threads on this topic. Frankly I find it interesting. I would be interested in a thread on crime in any place I am considering visiting or go to frequently.

Even after many visits to Mexico, I was unaware of the murder rate, crime and cartel problems in Mexico until December when we were in Cabo. We learned that the day before our arrival, the cartel murdered and hung several dead men off a bridge or overpass between the airport and the tourist zone. If we had been there one day earlier, we might have seen the dead men hanging. I was told the cartel was trying to send a message to the government and scare tourists away.

I was unaware of the problems in Cancun until April of this year. I thought Cancun/Riviera Maya was completely safe. I had just been there in January and had no clue about the risks. A girlfriend and I rented a car and drove all over by ourselves.

So, these threads are helpful because I was unaware of the risks in Mexico since most people who visit keep saying it is completely safe as long as you stay in the tourist zones.

Frankly, I thought the rhetoric is the USA about Mexico was all BS until recently. Now I see there is a basis in fact, although the risks are exaggerated for tourists who stay in the hotel zones. But to say that tourists have not been affected is false.

 

[klpca]

Fair enough. I didn't realize that it wasn't common knowledge. Maybe it's because I live near the border, but it's been on my radar for a long time. Mexico has always been risky to visitors. My mother's cousin died in Baja back in the 70's in a drunk driving accident. (He was the drunk driver). It took months and about $10k to get his body back. So for years, we avoided Mexico at all costs.

 

[Egret1986]

I was unaware of the problems in Cancun until April of this year. I thought Cancun/Riviera Maya was completely safe. I had just been there in January and had no clue about the risks. A girlfriend and I rented a car and drove all over by ourselves.

So, these threads are helpful because I was unaware of the risks in Mexico since most people who visit keep saying it is completely safe as long as you stay in the tourist zones.

Like you, I was also unaware of the problems in Cancun. I also thought it was safe. We took our first Cancun trip in January. We did not rent a car. We took tours to go places. We loved the resort where we stayed and felt little need to venture out on our own. The people were remarkable at the resort and every where we went on tours. I would have gladly returned in a heart beat. However, now knowing that there are problems in Cancun as well, we'll skip returning in the foreseeable future. There's just so many places yet unexplored that we can move on to something else. The Mexican people exude warmth and hospitality. That was my biggest take-away from that trip.

Yes, crime can happen anywhere. Some of it's "luck of the draw." Live life! Make an informed decision. Go there or go somewhere else. Just get out and go.

I don't believe anyone's telling others not to go. I believe it's just sharing information, expressing personal concerns and creating a dialogue to "talk it out."

I appreciate the warnings, even if they pop up often. It's my choice if I choose to read the thread or not. Remember, folks, Knowledge is Power! Most stuff on TUG is redundant because there's always "fresh" interest on topics and things are always changing.

We have gone places in the US and outside where bad things could have happened to us. You can't let fear cripple you.......just make the best informed decision that you can for yourself. That's all we can do really.

Now get out there......somewhere.......anywhere! Enjoy!

 

[PigsDad]

I don't believe anyone's telling others not to go. I believe it's just sharing information, expressing personal concerns and creating a dialogue to "talk it out."

I have no problem with people sharing unbiased information. Unfortunately, in some cases it is people sharing sensationalized "news" articles, just adding to the over-hyped hysteria. This ends up negatively affecting the majority of Mexican people who "exude warmth and hospitality", to use your words. Sad.

Kurt

 

[Egret1986]

Unfortunately, in some cases it is people sharing sensationalized "news" articles, just adding to the over-hyped hysteria.

Who can positively identify in every instance what's sensationalized? Without going political, fake news is out there everywhere.

What's a person to do? Stick their head in the sand and believe nothing? Try to maneuver around the hype and glean some views, thoughts and opinions from other like-minded folks (Tuggers) to better make a personal decision? Should the opinions shared by the for Mexico only be considered? It's not all over-hyped hysteria? It helps to be aware of things that might otherwise not have been found in researching an area for travel. Hard to believe?.....It could happen.


Best wishes to all for your continued happiness wherever you choose to go for vacation, whether it's north, south, east or west.

 

[klpca]

Who can positively identify in every instance what's sensationalized? Without going political, fake news is out there everywhere.

What's a person to do? Stick their head in the sand and believe nothing? Try to maneuver around the hype and glean some views, thoughts and opinions from other like-minded folks (Tuggers) to better make a personal decision? Should the opinions shared by the for Mexico only be considered? It's not all over-hyped hysteria? It helps to be aware of things that might otherwise not have been found in researching an area for travel. Hard to believe?.....It could happen.


Best wishes to all for your continued happiness wherever you choose to go for vacation, whether it's north, south, east or west.

I joined some facebook groups for Cozumel to get better information before our last trip and signed up for the State Dept information updates. For me personally, I will trust what the State Dept says. If they say that it's ok to go, then we will go. Just a suggestion for anyone who is considering travel to Mexico, or anywhere for that matter.

 

[TravelTime]

My thoughts on these Mexico crime threads is that people who own timeshares in Mexico are defending Mexico out of self interest. I think it is sad that people want to put their head in the sand. Even if tourists are generally not the crime victims, the crime and murder rates in Mexico are out of control and many innocent people are being robbed, beat up, amputated and/or murdered. 2017 was the worst year for crime and murder in Mexico and 2018 might be worse based on the preliminary numbers in some states.

 

[dioxide45]

My thoughts on these Mexico crime threads is that people who own timeshares in Mexico are defending Mexico out of self interest. I think it is sad that people want to put their head in the sand. Even if tourists are generally not the crime victims, the crime and murder rates in Mexico are out of control and many innocent people are being robbed, beat up, amputated and/or murdered. 2017 was the worst year for crime and murder in Mexico and 2018 might be worse based on the preliminary numbers in some states.

It comes down to, neither side will ever convince the other.

 

[PigsDad]

Who can positively identify in every instance what's sensationalized? Without going political, fake news is out there everywhere.

What's a person to do? Stick their head in the sand and believe nothing?

[redacted]

Forget it. It is clear critical thinking is dead these days. Very sad.

Kurt

 

[DannyTS]

the truth of the matter is that if you take basic precaution measures, statistics say that as a tourist you are safe. The rest is just noise. The crime level in places you will never visit as an ordinary tourist by people you will never hang out with are not relevant. Sad, but not relevant.
Stay safe wherever you are.

 

[klpca]

For the record, we don't own any timeshares in Mexico. We own in CA, New Orleans, Hawaii and Arizona. We just got back from an exchange into Cozumel but due to the world being big, we probably won't be returning to Mexico for a few years.