Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MERIDA30
2009-01-30 11:22:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Consulate Merida
Cable title:  

2009 YUCATAN OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT

Tags:  ASEC CASC MX 
pdf how-to read a cable
R 301122Z JAN 09
FM AMCONSUL MERIDA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 4738
INFO ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY MEXICO 
AMCONSUL MERIDAQ080
UNCLAS MERIDA 000030 


STATE FOR DS/OSAC AND DS/IP/WHA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC MX
SUBJECT: 2009 YUCATAN OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT

REF: 08 STATE 168473

UNCLAS MERIDA 000030


STATE FOR DS/OSAC AND DS/IP/WHA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC MX
SUBJECT: 2009 YUCATAN OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT

REF: 08 STATE 168473


1. (U) Overall Crime and Safety Situation:

Crime Threats
The Yucatan Peninsula has not suffered the same level of
escalating violence seen in other parts of Mexico. However in
2008 there were some high profile criminal acts that served as a
reminder that the Yucatan is part of the nationwide
narco-conflict underway in Mexico. There is no evidence that
indicates that criminals specifically target American citizens.
Criminals select victims based on appearance, vulnerability, and
inattentiveness.

There have been a number of rapes reported in Cancun and other
resort areas. Many of these have occurred at night or in the
early morning. Attacks have also occurred on deserted beaches
and in hotel rooms. Acquaintance rape is a serious problem. In
other cases, hotel workers, taxi drivers, and security personnel
have been implicated.

See the information at travel.state.gov regarding Spring Break
in Mexico if you are considering visiting Mexican resort areas
during February through March when thousands of US college
students traditionally arrive in those areas. Additional
information designed specifically for traveling students is
available at studentsabroad.state.gov.

Kidnapping, including the kidnapping of non-Mexicans, continues
at alarming rates. So-called express kidnappings, an attempt to
get quick cash in exchange for the release of an individual,
have occurred in almost all the large cities in Mexico and
appear to target not only the wealthy, but also the middle
class. U.S. businesses with offices in Mexico or concerned U.S.
citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy or any U.S. consulate to
discuss precautions they should take.

Kidnapping in Mexico has become a lucrative business, whether it
be an actual kidnapping or a virtual kidnapping. A common scam
throughout Mexico is telephone kidnapping with a similar
methodology. The virtual kidnapping calls typically include a
distraught voice immediately after the phone is answered that
serves as a ploy to elicit information about a potential victim.
The caller then uses this knowledge to demand ransom for the
release of the supposed victim. In the event of such a call
stay calm since the vast majority of the calls are hoaxes; do
not reveal any personal information; try to speak with the
victim to corroborate identity; and contact the local police as
well as the Embassy or nearest Consulate.


B. Safety
Standards of security, safety, and supervision may not reach

those expected in the United States. This has contributed to
deaths of U.S. citizens in automobile accidents, after falls
from balconies or into open ditches, by drowning in the ocean as
well as in hotel pools, and in water-sports mishaps, among
others.

Over 3 million U.S. citizens travel to Cancun and other Mexican
beach resorts each year, including as many as 120,000 during
"spring break" season, which normally begins in mid-February and
runs about two months. Excessive alcohol consumption,
especially by U.S. citizens under the legal U.S. drinking age,
is a significant problem. The legal drinking age in Mexico is
18, but it is not uniformly enforced. Alcohol is implicated in
the majority of arrests, violent crimes, accidents and deaths
suffered by U.S. citizen tourists.

In recent years, moped rentals have become very widespread in
Cancun and Cozumel, and the number of serious moped accidents
has risen accordingly. Most operators carry no insurance and do
not conduct safety checks. The U.S. Embassy recommends avoiding
operators who do not provide a helmet with the rental. Some
operators have been known to demand fees many times in excess of
damages caused to the vehicles, even if renters have purchased
insurance in advance. Vacationers at other beach resorts have
encountered similar problems after accidents involving rented
jet-skis. There have been cases of mobs gathering to prevent
tourists from departing the scene and to intimidate them into
paying exorbitant damage claims.

Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times,
even when in areas generally considered safe. Women traveling
alone are especially vulnerable and should exercise caution,
particularly at night. Victims, who are almost always
unaccompanied, have been raped, robbed of personal property, or
abducted and then held while their credit cards were used at
various businesses and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). U.S.
citizens should be very cautious in general when using ATMs in
Mexico. If an ATM must be used, it should be accessed only
during the business day at large protected facilities
(preferably inside commercial establishments, rather than at
glass-enclosed, highly visible ATMs on streets). U.S. and

Mexican citizens are sometimes accosted on the street and forced
to withdraw money from their accounts using their ATM cards.

Armed street crime is a serious problem in all of the major
cities. Some bars and nightclubs, especially in resort cities
such as Cancun, can be havens for drug dealers and petty
criminals. Some establishments may contaminate or drug drinks
to gain control over the patron.

One of the better recommendations for avoiding being the victim
of a crime at tourist destinations is employing the "buddy
system", traveling with a trusted individual. Be cognizant of
your consumption of alcohol. Most vehicular accidents and
incidents of crime affecting U.S. citizens involve the excess
consumption alcohol.



2. (U) Political Violence

Civil Unrest
No major incidents of civil unrest have been reported within the
last 12 months.


B. Demonstrations
Americans and American interests have not been the target of
major demonstrations. Within the last 12 months only one protest
has occurred at the U.S. Consulate in Merida.

The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by
foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or
deportation. Travelers should avoid political demonstrations
and other activities that might be deemed political by the
Mexican authorities. Even demonstrations intended to be
peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations,
and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any protests.


C. International Terrorism
There is no evidence to support that Islamic Radical Groups are
operating in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Yucatan is widely
reported to be a trafficking route for Caribbean immigrants, and
these same trafficking routes could be exploited by
international terrorist groups.


3. (U) Post Specific Concerns

Hurricanes
From June to November, the Peninsula may experience strong winds
and rains as a result of hurricanes in the Gulf or along the
Pacific Coast. The state of Quintana Roo tends to suffer the
greatest effects from Atlantic hurricanes, however storms have
been known to cause flooding and disruption of utility services
throughout the Yucatan.

Travelers are advised to keep abreast of developing weather
conditions during the hurricane season and to avoid the paths of
storms when possible. It is prudent to leave a detailed
itinerary, including local contact information and expected
time-date of return with a friend or family member.


B. Drugs and Narcoterrorism
Mexico is well known for its illegal drug trade and the
corruption the industry fosters. The Yucatan peninsula is
strategically close to narcotic smuggling routes of Central
America and parts of the Caribbean. Most of the violent crimes
reported over the last 12 months is the result of various
narco-trafficking groups fighting for control of these smuggling
routes.


4. (U) Police Responses

Police corruption and involvement in criminal activity occurs in
the Yucatan as it does in most parts of Mexico. Low apprehension
and conviction rates of criminals contribute to Mexico's high
crime rate. Corruption, along with fear of reprisals from
criminal elements, leads most to believe that many crimes go
unreported.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with police if stopped
and questioned. If involved in a traffic accident or victimized
by crime, one may be asked to accompany the investigating
officer to a local police station to file a report. A complaint
must be filed in the area where the crime occurred. Attempting
to file a complaint once one has returned to the U.S. can be a
difficult and time consuming process. U.S. citizen victims of
crime in Mexico are encouraged to report the incident to the
nearest police headquarters and to the nearest U.S. consular
office.


The Mexican police emergency number is 066. Reported times for
the arrival of emergency services varies.


5. (U) Medical Emergencies:

Health Concerns
Persons visiting the Yucatan should take normal tourist
precautions with regard to drinking water, eating fresh fruits,
vegetables and salads.

Health insurance is an important consideration while traveling
in the Yucatan. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they
have adequate health insurance while traveling throughout Mexico.


B. Other Health Information
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad is provided in
the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "
Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad" available
via the Consular Affairs web page at HYPERLINK
"http://www.travel.state.gov/"http://www.trav el.state.gov


Additional health information can be found at the CDC
international Traveler's hotline - 888-232-6384 or 800 232-4636
or HYPERLINK "http://www.cdc.gov/"http://www.cdc.gov
.

International health insurance that provides coverage to the
Yucatan can be easily obtained from private companies. Private
air ambulance services are also available for injuries or
illnesses best treated in the U.S.

The RSO Office Merida does not endorse any specific private
insurance or air ambulance company. The following list is for
information purposes only:

For international treatment and medical insurance:
AEA International (206) 340-6000

Air ambulances the service the Yucatan:
Air Compassion 1-866-270-9198 or 001- 883-270-9198
Advanced Air Ambulance 800-633-3590 or 305-232-7700
AirMD Air Ambulance Services 800-282-6878 or 1-727-530-7972
Air Ambulance Professionals 800-752-4195 or 954-491-0555
Air Response 800-631-6565 or 303-858-9967
Critical Air Medical 800-247-8326 or 619-571-0482

An additional list of companies that provide international air
ambulance services can be found at HYPERLINK
"http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis /cis_1470.html" \\l
"companies"http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis _pa_tw/cis/cis
_1470.html#companies.


6. (U) Precautions While Traveling:

Traveling by Automobile
Road conditions in the Yucatan Peninsula are different than
those encountered in the United States. Extra care should be
exercised when passing a vehicle or being passed. Non-toll
roads between major cities can be narrow and vary in conditions.
Toll roads are generally wider and better maintained. Drivers
should beware of unmarked speed bumps in populated areas.
Driving at night outside of major cities is not advisable due to
the lack of adequate street lighting.

Criminal assaults occur on highways throughout Mexico; travelers
should exercise extreme caution at all times, avoid traveling at
night, and may wish to use toll ("cuota") roads rather than the
less secure "free" ("libre") roads whenever possible.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death of U.S.
citizens in Mexico. Motorists should exercise special caution
on the heavily-traveled expressway south of Cancun, particularly
between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where the road narrows from
4 divided lanes to two-way traffic on a narrow and
poorly-maintained road.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints
when traveling on Mexican highways.

Prior to road travel ensure your vehicle is in good working
condition and that fluids are at the correct level. When
traveling long distances, it is best to travel in tandem with
another vehicle. Ensure that there is enough fuel to reach
larger cities or towns, as some smaller communities may not have
service stations.

The following items are recommended for road trips:
Cellular phone and charger
Spare tire
Portable gas can with funnel
Potable water
Non-perishable food items

First aid kit
Jumper cables
Flares / reflectors
Tool kit
Spare key


B. Protecting Your Vehicle
Do not leave valuables or items such as laptops, ipods and
expensive sunglasses in plain view and unattended in your vehicle. Avoid leaving your auto on the street. When possible park your
vehicle inside residential compounds or parking areas with
attendants.


7. (U) Precautions at Your Residence

Be cautious of unannounced maintenance, utility, or municipal
service personnel asking for entry into your residence. Ask for
proper identification and verify the person's identity before
allowing access.

When hiring domestic help, vet the person to the greatest extent
you can. Ensure they are briefed on not volunteering information
to unidentified callers and not allowing individuals into your
home without proper authorization. Though you may have great
trust in your house staff, it is best to maintain good control
over keys that lead into your living area.


8. (U) Personal Security Practices


A. Daily Habits
Vary your times and routes to and from work, school, or
activities. Do not become time and place predictable.

Maintain a low personal profile; it is best to avoid activities
that draw attention. Avoid wearing ostentatious jewelry or
clothing that may bring unwanted attention.

Be alert to surveillance. Criminals, even petty thieves, are
known to watch the activities of their victims before they
commit a robbery or assault.

Advise colleagues and family of your daily plans and ensure they
know how to reach you.


B. General Security

Always be aware of your surroundings. Report all suspicious
activity to the proper authorities.

In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver.
Always leave yourself an exit. Be prepared to take evasive
action at any time.

Avoid choke points in travel. Be wary of diversions.

Whenever possible, do not have a set day for shopping, errands
and personal needs. Be unpredictable.

Never give out your personal information such as family member
and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers in an
open setting.

Ensure all of your family members are briefed on security
measures.


C. Security Companies
There are numerous private security companies available in the
Yucatan Peninsula and through out Mexico. The RSO Office Merida
does not endorse any specific private security company. The
following list is for information purposes only:

ADT Security Services
Kroll
Control Risk
Wakenhut
Intercon Security Services
Protigi
Vance International Mexico


9. (U) Other Relevant Information

Mexico country code: 52
Merida city code: 99

U.S. Consulate Merida
Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31
Col. Alcala Martin Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050
(011) (52) (999) 942-5700 (dialing from the U.S.)
(01) (999) 942-5700 (dialing from within Mexico)
942-5700 (dialing from within Merida)
E-mail: meridacons@state.gov

Consular Agency Cancun
Plaza Caracol II, 3er Piso No. 320-323
Km 8.5 Blvd. Kuculkan,
Zona Hotelera Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77500
(011)(52)(1)(998) 845-4364 (dialing from the U.S.)
(044)(998) 845-4364 (dialing from within Cancun)
(045)(998) 845-4364 (dialing from elsewhere in Mexico)
E-mail: cancunagency@gmail.com
Consular Agency Cozumel
Villa Mar Mall in the Main Plaza, Locale # 8
Parque Juarez - Av. Juarez y 5th Av. Nte.
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
(011)(52)(1)(987) 876-0624 (dialing from the U.S.)
(044)(987) 876-0624 (dialing from within Cozumel)
(045)(987) 876-0624 (dialing from elsewhere in Mexico)
E-mail: usgov@cozumel.net or usca@cozumel.net

Consular Agency Playa del Carmen
"The Palapa" Calle 1 Sur, Entre 15 Av. Y 20 Av.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77710
(011)(52)(1)(984) 807-8355 (dialing from the U.S.)
(044)(984) 807-8355 (dialing from within Playa)
(045)(984) 807-8355 (dialing from elsewhere in Mexico)
E-Mail: playausca@hotmail.com

Police Emergency: 066


10. (U) OSAC Mexico Country Council:

The Department of State supports an active OSAC Council, with a
membership of 80 companies. For more information on OSAC and
future OSAC events, contact Ms. Janet Salgado at 5080-2000, ext.

4918. For more information on OSAC in the Yucatan, contact the
Regional Security Office Merida (011) (52) (999) 942-5719 or
OSAC's Regional Coordinator for the Western Hemisphere or visit
the council on line at HYPERLINK
"http://www.osac.gov/"http://www.OSAC.gov
.
MARTIN