Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09HERMOSILLO39
2009-02-20 01:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Consulate Hermosillo
Cable title:  

2009 OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - HERMOSILLO

Tags:  ASEC 
pdf how-to read a cable
R 200156Z FEB 09
FM AMCONSUL HERMOSILLO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 2644
INFO AMEMBASSY MEXICO 
AMCONSUL HERMOSILLO
UNCLAS HERMOSILLO 000039 


DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/WHA AND DS/OSAC
EMBASSY FOR RSO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: 2009 OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - HERMOSILLO

REF: 08 STATE 168473


Below is the OSAC Crime and Safety Report for Hermosillo, Sonora
Mexico. Although Hermosillo is the main focus of this report,
crime trends elsewhere in the state of Sonora are similar, and
the same defensive measures are appropriate. The Mexican state
of Sinaloa is included in the U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo
consular district. Violent crime in Sinaloa, particularly in
regards to the illegal drug trade, continue to be much higher
than that of Sonora over the last year. Also note that the U.S.
Consulate General Hermosillo consular district covers only the
southern two-thirds of the state of Sonora. Please see the OSAC
Crime and Safety Report for Nogales, Mexico for information
about the security and safety situation in the north of the
state, closer to the U.S. border. Please see the OSAC Crime and
Safety Report for Mexico City for additional information
regarding Mexico as a whole.

Hermosillo, is approximately 220 miles south of Tucson, Arizona.
The population is currently at around 800,000. Sonora is a
relatively prosperous state with strong cross-border economic
and social ties. The city itself is the economic and political
capital of the state of Sonora. It is also the state's academic
and research center and includes a number of universities.

UNCLAS HERMOSILLO 000039


DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/WHA AND DS/OSAC
EMBASSY FOR RSO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: 2009 OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - HERMOSILLO

REF: 08 STATE 168473


Below is the OSAC Crime and Safety Report for Hermosillo, Sonora
Mexico. Although Hermosillo is the main focus of this report,
crime trends elsewhere in the state of Sonora are similar, and
the same defensive measures are appropriate. The Mexican state
of Sinaloa is included in the U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo
consular district. Violent crime in Sinaloa, particularly in
regards to the illegal drug trade, continue to be much higher
than that of Sonora over the last year. Also note that the U.S.
Consulate General Hermosillo consular district covers only the
southern two-thirds of the state of Sonora. Please see the OSAC
Crime and Safety Report for Nogales, Mexico for information
about the security and safety situation in the north of the
state, closer to the U.S. border. Please see the OSAC Crime and
Safety Report for Mexico City for additional information
regarding Mexico as a whole.

Hermosillo, is approximately 220 miles south of Tucson, Arizona.
The population is currently at around 800,000. Sonora is a
relatively prosperous state with strong cross-border economic
and social ties. The city itself is the economic and political
capital of the state of Sonora. It is also the state's academic
and research center and includes a number of universities.


1. (U) Overall Crime and Safety Situation:

The State Department's "Medium" crime threat level for
Hermosillo, is appropriate. Armed robbery, drug-related
homicide, rape, burglary, car theft, credit card fraud, as well
as other more numerous types of petty crime occur. The overall
crime and safety situation in Hermosillo varies depending on
upon location. Vehicle thefts do occur, but in general appear
to be more prevalent along parts of the border.

Reported crime statistics for Sonora for 2008 indicated
decreases in burglaries, individual robberies, vehicle thefts,
rape, and assaults. A slight increase in business robberies was
reported, as well as an approximate 30% increase in homicides.
Reported crime statistics for Hermosillo indicated decreases in
burglaries, individual robberies (a reported approximate 50%
decrease),vehicle thefts, rape (a reported approximate 25%
decrease),a homicide. Reported business robberies pretty much
remained the same, and only reported assaults showed an
increase.

There is no evidence to indicate that criminals are specifically
targeting U.S. citizens; although, one should always remain
aware of their surroundings, and of how they might appear to a

potential criminal. Criminals select victims based on an
appearance of vulnerability, prosperity or inattentiveness.
Within the Consulate community, Mexican employees fall victim to
crime far more frequently than do their American colleagues.

While Mexico employs strict gun-control laws, thieves and
robbers do not comply and are usually armed with knives or
handguns. Leave all weapons in the U.S. Bringing any firearm
or ammunition into Mexico is an offense punishable by jail time
unless you obtain proper permits, and small weapons such as
pocket knives can result in concealed weapons charges if you are
detained by the police. Contact a local Mexican Consulate in
the U.S. for information regarding bringing hunting weapons into
the country.

Hermosillo is not spared from the narco-related violence seen
throughout Mexico. In general, this violence is targeted at
those involved in the illegal drugs trade, or those opposing it.
However, in 2007 there were shootouts on public roads and
venues, grenade attacks, kidnappings and assassinations. In
2008, there were notable targeted assassinations at public
venues (piqata hall, roadside restaurant, residential
neighborhoods, etc.).

As indicated above, Sinaloa has had a much higher incidence of
this type of violence, and Sinaloa is considered home to the
Sinaloa (Federation) Cartel, which historically is one of the
strongest and most violent cartels in Mexico. Reported police
and press statistics for Sinaloa indicated that there were 1,059
homicides in 2008, with only one other Mexican state with more
executions - Chihuahua. Sinaloa is on whole a much more
dangerous place to visit in terms of security concerns.
Culiacan, Sinaloa and the towns around it witnessed high levels
of narco-related violence in 2008. There are areas/towns here
that even the police refuse to enter. Any visitor to Sinaloa
should conduct prior research on the area. There is a United
States Consular Agency in Mazatlan to assist American
travelers/residents in this area. Mazatlan has a large
established American ex-pat population of around 3,000.
Additionally, another 5,500 visit and stay for less than 2
months a year, while another 180,000 tourist visit for varying
amounts of time. The peak tourist season is between October 1st
and March. Mazatlan experiences economic crimes like many
Mexican resort destinations. Commonsense security measures like
not wearing expensive jewelry, displaying cash in public, not
walking alone at night, etc. should be practiced. Mazatlan has
also witnessed narco-related violence in 2008. There were a
number of murder/decapitations prior to September 2008. In
August 2008 there was incident in which armed criminals took
over 20 hostages at the main shopping center. These criminals
were fleeing from the police after committing a murder in broad
daylight. In September 2008 a group of armed men, who attempted
to rob an armored car in the northern section of the city known
as Cerritos. A concerted police/military response was launched
and the criminals were cornered in a wooded area, where they
were eventually captured and put in jail. The men that were
arrested admitted to committing decapitation murders and since
their incarceration, there have been no additional
decapitations.


A. Crime Threats

In general, Americans in Hermosillo need to protect themselves
against street and petty crime. Do not leave valuables in your
hotel room, no matter what the stature is of the hotel. Leaving
items of value in a car can trigger a break-in, even when left
for only a few minutes and the car remains in public view.

Additionally, Americans should be concerned about residential
crime. Burglaries occur at different levels throughout the
various areas of the city. Do some research prior to buying or
leasing a residence. If possible, locate a residence in a gated
neighborhood with a security attendant on duty. Burglars
usually attempt break-ins when no one is home, avoiding
confrontation and violence if possible. Investing in an alarm
system, deadbolt locks, and adequate exterior security lighting
can go a long way in preventing these types of crime. Local
household help should be vetted to the extent possible, and
housekeepers should be instructed on proper telephone answering
procedures, and not to allow entry to persons not known or
expected.

Ostentatious displays of wealth can be magnets for thieves in
Hermosillo, like in any large city. Wearing of expensive
jewelry, watches, and displays of large amounts of cash can draw
unwanted attention. Jewelry, expensive watches and items like
cell phones can be resold easily.

In Hermosillo in 2008 there were instances of drug related
violence in which shootings on public streets, at commercial
establishments, and in residential areas led to deaths. While
those affected most by this type of violence are normally in
some way associated with the illegal drug trade, or in fighting
it, there is the potential for innocent bystanders to be injured
or killed.

There were reported incidences of road-side robberies in Sinaloa
in which men, in what were reported to be police and/or military
uniforms stopped United States plated vehicles and forced
occupants to a secluded area where they were robbed of their
cash, credit cards and jewelry. These all occurred on main
roads after dark.


B. Safety

Driving in Hermosillo requires vigilance and a defensive
attitude. Local drivers are not uniformly well experienced, and
often have cars that are poorly maintained or in bad repair. Be
alert for vehicles moving slower than the rest of the traffic
flow, and for vehicles speeding through traffic signals at the
last minute. Additionally, be aware of vehicles with no lights
on at night. Road signage and traffic lights in the city are
improving, but are not always clear, which also contributes to
hazardous driving conditions. Drivers in Hermosillo should give
a wide berth to public buses, which are not known for their
safety.

During the heavy rainy summer months, localized flash flooding
occur on many of the main and side streets in Hermosillo,
leaving many vehicles stalled in the middle of the streets and
intersections. Drivers should avoid driving if possible during
heavy rain storms.

Road damage is not always quickly repaired leaving potholes that
can damage your car, or cause drivers to swerve into your lane
or brake unexpectedly.

Travel on highways can be precarious, especially at night.
Travelers should avoid nighttime travel, and use inter-city toll
highways whenever possible.


2. (U) Political Violence:

Anti-American sentiment is seldom expressed toward U.S. citizens
in Hermosillo, either official or non-official. American
interests are generally not targets of political violence.


A. Historical Perspective

Northern Mexico is not historically anti-American, but rather,
well-integrated into or with the United States by family and
commercial ties.


B. Regional terrorism and organized crime

Organized crime occurs on virtually a daily basis by drug
trafficking organizations, but there is no evidence at this time
to indicate that American citizens are specifically targeted for
violence.

Regional indigenous terrorism is generally confined to the
southern parts of Mexico. See the OSAC Crime and Safety Report
for Mexico City for more information.


C. International terrorism or transnational terrorism

While there do not appear to be any international terrorist
groups currently active in Mexico, lax immigration controls, the
ease with which fake Mexican travel documents can be obtained,
and Mexico's geographic location make the country an attractive
transit point for potential transnational terrorists.


D. Civil Unrest

Peaceful demonstrations protesting U.S. foreign and domestic
policies have occurred in front of the U.S. Consulate General in
Hermosillo. These have always been well policed. Additionally,
there have been demonstrations and protests at some border
bridges.


3. (U) Post Specific Concerns:


A. Hurricanes and Rain Storms

Hurricanes off the west coast make landfall in Sinaloa and
Sonora during the hurricane season. In the past, many U.S.
citizens traveling abroad to affected regions have been forced
to delay their return to the United States due to infrastructure
damage to airports and limited flight availability. In many
cases, flights were suspended and passengers faced long delays
due to the need to repair a damaged airport. Roads were also
washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access
to airports and land routes out of affected areas. In the event
of a hurricane, travelers should be aware that they may not be
able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or more.

In the aftermath of a storm, U.S. citizens have encountered
uncomfortable and often dangerous conditions that have lasted
for several days while awaiting transportation back to the U.S.
Reports of looting and sporadic violence are not uncommon, but
can be exaggerated. Security personnel may not be readily
available to assist at all times.

Should a situation require an evacuation from an overseas
location, the State Department will work with commercial
airlines to ensure the safest and most efficient repatriation of
U.S. citizens possible. Commercial airlines are the Department's
primary source of transportation in an evacuation. Other means
of transport are utilized only as a last resort. The Department
of State will not provide no-cost transportation but does have
the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in
financial need. U.S. citizens should obtain travel insurance to
cover unexpected expenses during an emergency.

U.S. citizens living in or traveling to storm-prone regions
overseas should prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms by
organizing a kit containing a supply of bottled water, non-
perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand crank radio,
and vital documents (especially passport and identification) in
a waterproof container. Emergency shelters often have access
only to basic resources and limited medical and food supplies.
U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, the National Weather
Service at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov ,
and other media to stay aware of any weather developments in
their area. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes
very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation.
Travelers should apprise family and friends in the U.S. of their
whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their tour operator,
hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in
the event of a weather emergency.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of
State's travel registration website at
https://travelregistration.state.gov
. Registration will make
your presence and whereabouts known. While Consular Officers
will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers
should always be aware that local authorities bear primary
responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in
their jurisdictions.
Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may

be found in the "Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go" pamphlet
at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurr icane_season/h
urricane_season_2915.html, and on the "Natural Disasters" page of the
Bureau of Consular Affairs' website at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergenci es/emergencies
_1207.html
. Travelers to the region are encouraged to check the
Internet site of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General with
consular responsibilities for the territory they will be
visiting (accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/). For
further information please consult the Consular Information
Sheet for the country or territory in question, available via
the Internet at http://travel.state.gov
.

Driving during and after rainstorms should be avoided, since
improper drainage creates street flooding and large, submerged
potholes, and leaves many broken-down vehicles in the streets
and intersections. Heavy rains may leave sections of roads
washed out completely.


B. Industrial and Transportation Accidents

American citizens are commonly involved in fatal traffic
accidents on the highways in Sonora and Sinaloa. Speed,
nighttime travel, unfamiliarity with the road, and other factors
contribute to this. In Sonora, interstate 15, the main
interstate is built up and has limited or no shoulders. Minor
steering mistakes that can normally be corrected on a road with
wide and level shoulders often cause drivers to lose control and
flip their vehicles. Animals, slow moving trucks and buses, and
inexperienced local drivers contribute a number of vehicle
accidents as well.


C. Kidnappings

Kidnapping for ransom is an established criminal activity in
Mexico. Most incidents go unreported to police. Unofficial
estimates of kidnapping levels vary wildly, from 600 to 5,000
per year countrywide. In most cases, the ransom is paid and
victim set free. The usual victim practice is not to notify
police authorities, as the popular belief is that the police may
be involved in the crime or certainly are unable to resolve the
situation. Affluent residents in Mexico City and other parts of
Mexico often have bodyguards and armored vehicles for their
families to protect them against kidnapping.

There have been reports of kidnappings (both for ransom and
"express") in Sonora and Sinaloa; however, obtaining accurate
numbers is difficult. Express kidnappings are a common type of
abduction and are based on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed
on ATM cards industry-wide. The victim is generally held for 24
to 48 hours and is forced to withdraw funds from a series of
ATMs. The term "express kidnapping" is also still applied to
the kidnapping of random victims held for brief periods where
only small ransom amounts are demanded. A typical scenario may
last for several hours and be settled for the peso-equivalent of
a few thousand dollars.



D. Drugs and Narco-terrorism

Mexico is well known for its illegal drug trade and the violence
and corruption that the industry foster. Mexico is the primary
route or conduit for bringing illegal drugs into the United
States. Sonora and Sinaloa are coveted transshipment routes for
illegal drugs heading north and money and weapons heading south.
Drug related violence in Mexico is for the most part confined
to those involved in the drug trade, or those fighting it.
There have been numerous press reports of police and military
personnel being executed around the country. Along Mexico's
northern border cities with the U.S., the violence is far
greater, uncontrolled and has injured and killed innocent
bystanders. Visitors should always pay close attention to their
surroundings and avoid situations that could potentially result
in criminal activities. During 2007, it was reported that there
were 739 executions related to drug trafficking in the state of
Sinaloa. These totaled 27.6% of all the executions in Mexico.
From March 2007 through December 2007 there were an average of
60 deaths per month. Reported narco-related homicides for 2008
in Sinaloa were even higher at 1,059. Mexican security forces
and police have generally been ineffective in maintaining
security in border areas. Many have been corrupted and are
working as enforcers, bodyguards and traffickers.


E. Cloning or Counterfeiting ATM or Credit Cards

Cloning or counterfeiting ATM and credit cards occurs in Mexico,
and travelers are advised to check their account activity
on-line at least weekly while in Mexico to detect fraudulent
charges early. All ATMs are not the same, and travelers are
encouraged to plan their cash needs in advance using only
reputable ATMs in secure areas.

Here are some things that you can do to lessen the chances that
you will become a victim of ATM or credit card fraud:

- Closely monitor anyone who handles your card. To protect
against skimming, closely watch anyone that you give your card
to for processing, such as a waiter, clerk, attendant, etc. If
at all possible, do not let them out of your sight. If a clerk
makes a hard copy, retrieve the carbons.

- Sign all credit cards. Sign all credit cards immediately upon
your receipt of them. You can also write "Check ID" so that the
clerk, if they actually read the back, will ask for ID for
verification during a transaction.

- Cancel credit cards that you do not use. It is important to
cancel all credit cards that you do not use and to monitor the
ones that you do use.

- Be aware of your surroundings. The first step to prevent
skimming is understanding what is going on around you. When at
an ATM cover the key pad when entering your pin. Prior to
inserting your ATM card, check the ATM card reader to make sure
that it looks appropriate and is not altered.

- Take your receipts. Do not leave receipts at ATM's, teller
windows, gasoline pumps, or with a clerk.

- Protect your PIN. Some people make it easy for criminals by
writing the PIN to their credit or ATM card on something that
they keep in their wallet, or even worse, writing the PIN on
back of the card itself. Commit the PIN to memory.


4. (U) Police Response:

Police corruption and police involvement in criminal activity is
common in Mexico. Consequently, citizens are often indifferent
to police authority, and the general perception is that crime
victims do not report crimes against them due to fear of
reprisals by the police, the belief that the police are corrupt,
or the feeling that nothing would come from such reports. The
police are widely considered to be underpaid, poorly trained and
corrupt. From senior police in league with narco-traffickers
and/or organized crime elements down to the routine bribes paid
daily by motorists, Mexican police enjoy little respect from the
general population. Reporting crime is an archaic, exhausting
process in Mexico, and is widely perceived to be a waste of time
except for the most serious crimes or where a police report is
required for insurance purposes.

Travelers may contact the Consulate's American Citizen Services
section or the Regional Security Officer for assistance in
dealing with the Mexican Police (numbers listed below). U.S.
citizens are advised to cooperate with the police if stopped or
questioned. The Mexican police emergency number is 066.


A. How to handle incidents of police detention or
harassment: Before you begin driving in Hermosillo on a regular
basis, photocopy the following documents for each driver on one
or two sheets of paper and keep them in your vehicle:

U.S. passport ID page
Mexican Visa
U.S. Driver's License
Vehicle Registration (Tarjeta de Circulacion)
Proof of Insurance
Temporary or Free Entry Permit

If you are stopped by police authorities and do not believe that
you have done anything wrong, it may be preferable to give the
police officer the photocopies rather than your actual documents.

If the officer continues to question you or if your knowledge of
Spanish makes it impossible to know what is being said, the
following statement in Spanish should be given to the officer:

"No hablo ni entiendo bien el espanol. Si usted considera que
he cometido una infraccion de transito, expida el recibo de
multa que la ampara. Si existe algun otro problema, por favor
solicite la presencia de un elemento de policia qua hable
ingles. Gracias."

It translate as:

"I do not speak or understand Spanish. If you believe I have
committed a traffic violation, then give me a ticket. If there
is some other problem, please request the assistance of another
policeman who can speak English. Thank you."

This suggested course of action is not intended in any way to be
an attempt to obviate your responsibility for legitimate traffic
violations or infractions of Mexican law. American are strongly
admonished not to offer "tips" or bribes in any form to police
officers after a traffic stop. In the event that the officer
should suggest anything other than a normal solution to a
traffic violation, note his/her badge number, name tag or police
vehicle number, and provide it to the American Citizen Services
section of the U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo (number listed
below) as soon as possible.


B. Where to turn to for assistance if you become a victim of a
crime: The Hermosillo police phone number is 066. Operators
may not speak English and a Spanish speaker should be enlisted
to assist if possible. Whether the police will arrive in a
timely fashion in response to your call, or at all, is
questionable, however. Victims may also contact the American
Citizen Services section at the U.S. Consulate General
Hermosillo (number listed below) for assistance in dealing with
the Mexican police. If involved in a traffic accident or
victimized by crime, one may be required to accompany the
investigating officer to the local police station to file a
complaint or respond to questions. Should a police report be
required for an insurance claim, a nominal fee will be charged.


5. Medical Emergencies:


A. Health Concerns

Mexico does have health concerns. You should take normal
tourist precautions with regard to drinking water, and when
eating fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. Additionally, check
with your health practitioner about required vaccines. Some
travelers have adverse reactions to pollution and dusty
environment.

Health insurance is an important consideration. Travelers
should ensure that they have adequate health insurance while in
Mexico. Though increasing numbers of Americans obtain health
care in Mexico, elective surgery facilities may lack access to
sufficient emergency support.

Avoid purchasing prescription medications in Mexico unless you
have a prescription from a Mexican doctor.


B. Other Health Information

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including
overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of
State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the
Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at
http://www.travel.state.gov.

Contact information for local hospitals in Hermosillo: The
Consulate General does not recommend any particular health
provider, but lists the following for information purposes only.
More information is listed on the website for the American
Citizen Services section of the U.S. Consulate General (click on
the U.S. Citizen Services tab):
http://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov/medical_inf o.html.

Hermosillo Hospitals:

CENTRO MEDICO DEL NOROESTE
Av. Luis Donaldo Colosio 23 Oriente
esquina con Manuel Gonzalez
Colonia Centro
Hermosillo, Sonora
Tel. (662) 217-4521 or 213-6250

HOSPITAL CIMA
Paseo Rio San Miguel
Hermosillo, Sonora
Tel. (662) 259-0900, 259-0959,
Emergency Ward (662) 259-0911
Fax (662) 259-0999
E-Mail: cimahillo@terra.com.mx

HOSPITAL SAN JOSE HERMOSILLO
Blvd. Morelos No. 340 Col. Bachoco
Hermosillo, Sonora
Tel. (662) 109-0500
Tel. (662) 109-0511
Website: www.grupomedicosanjose.com.mx

HOSPITAL LICONA
Luis Donaldo Colosio #42
esquina con Jesus Garcia
Hermosillo, Sonora
Tel. (662) 217-4828, Fax 213-6616
E-Mail: slicona@prodigy.net.mx

HOSPITAL GENERAL DEL ESTADO
Blvd. Luis Encinas
Hermosillo, Sonora
Tel. (662) 259-2500, 213-2556

HOSPITAL INFANTIL DIF (Children's Hospital)
Reforma 355 Norte
Hermosillo, Sonora
Tel. (662) 289-0600
(Note - for people without insurance and/or financial resources)

Additional Health Information:

CDC International Traveler's hotline in the United States - 24
hour info available at 888-232-6348 or 800-232-4636 or
http://www.cdc.gov.


The following information is listed for information purposes
only. For international treatment and medical insurance: AEA
International, (206) 340-6000. Air ambulance service (recommend
for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the U.S.): AEA
International, (800) 752-4195.


6. (U) Travel Precautions:

Driving on the highways can be precarious, especially at night.
If possible, avoid travel after dark, and use inter-city toll
highways. Toll roads are called cuotas in Mexico, and are
indicated by the capital letter "D" printed below the highway
route number on area maps. Plan your route ahead of time, and
try to purchase fuel at gas stations in cities you travel
through. Carry enough local currency for tolls and emergency
needs.

Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is in good
operating condition, paying particular attention to the engine,
tires, breaks, head and tail lights, spare tire and jack, horn,
and fluid levels. Particularly on long trips to remote areas,
try to travel in tandem with other vehicles, and advise someone
of your travel plans, including anticipated arrival and
departure times, as well as the planned route and contact
numbers.

The following items are recommended for extended road trips:

Cellular telephone with charger (although some areas between
cities lack coverage); An extra spare time; Portable gas can
with funnel; Potable water; Non-perishable food items; First Aid
kit; Camping gear (sleeping bag, blanket, stove, etc.); Fire
extinguisher; Jumper cables; Flares/reflectors; Collapsible
shovel; a Compressed air tire pump, and an Emergency tool kit
with: Flashlight with additional batteries; Battery operated
radio; Extra fan belt/drive belt; Extra fuses, spark plugs, and
light bulbs; Duplicate ignition key; Screw driver (regular and
Phillips head); Socket wrench set; Pliers; Wire; and Electrical
tape

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

(1) Protecting Your Vehicle

Headlights and tail lights: The headlights and tail lights are
held in place by easily accessible screws. Install grilles
around these head lights/tail lights, or simply tap out the
heads of the screws holding the lights in place.

Spare tire: If your tire is mounted on the outside of the
vehicle, secure it in place with chain and padlock, or similar
device.

Items inside the vehicle: Theft of the vehicle's operating
computer is a common crime, as is the theft of car sound
systems. The installation of a car alarm is strongly
recommended. If you purchase a car radio, look for models that
can be removed from the dash and locked in the trunk. Keep your
vehicle sterile, storing anything that would entice a thief out
of plain view.

Locking hubs: Replace one lug nut on each wheel with a
specially keyed bolt that locks or can only be removed with a
special attachment to the tire iron.

Emblems: Should be secured with rivets.

Parking: Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. Park inside
a residential compound, in a parking lot with an attendant, or
at least within view of the location of your visit. When
parking in a lot of a shopping facility, be sure to park as
close as possible to the store entrance, and away from
dumpsters, bushes or large vehicles. Be sure to lock your
doors, close windows and hide shopping bags and gifts in the
trunk, out of sight.

Car alarm/and steering wheel locks: As previously mention,
installation of a car alarm is a necessary precaution in
deterring vehicle thefts and thefts of interior contents.
Consider purchasing and using a steering wheel locking device.

(2) Protecting Yourself

Avoid wearing jewelry and carry a clutch purse or a neck purse
instead of a shoulder bag. Carry a wallet in the front trouser
pocket of front jacket pocket.

Never leave shopping bags or merchandise unattended.

(3) Personal Security Practices

Maintain a low profile: Do not advertise the fact that you are
American. Dress casually, keep valuables out of sight, and do
not draw attention to yourself with your actions.

Vary your routine: Be unpredictable in your movements, vary
your routes from home to the office as well as your departure
and arrival times.

Be alert to possible surveillance: Note any individual who
appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled
activities, such as going from home to office.

Be alert to your surroundings: Minimize valuables and do not
carry large sums of money while in crowded, urban areas. Be
aware of popular scams and robbery tactics used to distract your
attention.


A. Crimes/scams unique or especially frequent in Hermosillo:

Avoid using the city's public buses. These are typically very
crowded. Groups of pickpockets are active on the most crowded,
busiest city bus routes. Wearing expensive jewelry and watches,
or displaying large amounts of cash, can draw unwanted
attention. Taxis in Hermosillo are safer and more reliable.
Taxis from the airport are paid in advance in the terminal, and
are well regulated. When using inter-city buses, avoid losing
sight of your bags. It is not uncommon for thieves to wait at
common roadside gas stations, and bus stations, and look for an
opportunity to steal luggage from these buses.


B. Areas of town to be avoided and best security practices:

Like any city, Hermosillo has its bad areas. These areas are
located in the south, southwestern part of the city, and also
the downtown ("el Centro") area after dark. The poorer sections
of the city are along the northwest and south perimeter. These
areas or 'Colonias' are characterized by narrow, unlit and
unmarked streets. Travel well-lit, and well traveled (busy)
streets. If you realize that you are in an unfamiliar area,
turn around and head back to roads and areas you know. Keep
doors locked while driving, and windows up far enough to keep
anyone from reaching inside. Be suspicious of people
approaching your vehicle asking for directions or change, giving
out flyers, or selling flowers or goods. When stopped in
traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one
in front of your, so you can pull away quickly if necessary. Be
alert when using drive-up automated teller (ATM) machines, never
pick up a hitchhiker, and don't stop to assist strangers whose
vehicles appear to be broken down. Instead, help by driving to
the nearest phone and calling the police to assist. In the
downtown area, avoid unlit or unpopulated sections, and travel
and remain with a group of people whom you know. Do not become
so intoxicated that you are unable to make rational decisions
about your security and safety.

The American Citizen Services section at the U.S. Consulate
General in Hermosillo suggest that each American traveling in
its consular district (or in other areas of Mexico) register
their travel plans and emergency locater information with the
consulate via the internet at www.travel.state.gov
. This registration will provide
Post with critical information should you need assistance while
in Mexico.

Visitors to Mexico should also read the information provided in
both the Public Announcement and the Consular Information Sheet
for Mexico that can be found in the international travel section
of www.travel.state.gov .


7. (U) Other Relevant Information:

Mexico country code: 52
Hermosillo area code: 662

U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo:
Consulado Americano

Monterrey 141 Poniente, CP 83000
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mixico
0800 - 1630 M-F
Telephone: 662-289-3500
(from the U.S., dial 011-52-662-289-3500)

Regional Security Office
0800-1700 M-F
Contact through the Consulate Switchboard - ext. 3597

After hours emergency Duty Officer cellular phone - 044
662-256-0741
(044 should be replaced by 045 if dialing from outside your
local area on a Mexican cellular phone)
(if calling from the U.S., dial 011 52 1 662-256-0741)

Police Emergency - 066


8. (U) OSAC Mexico Country Council:

Post currently does not have an OSAC Country Council. However,
the RSO at the U.S. Consulate General in Hermosillo plans to
create a Council by 2010.


BREIDENSTINE