2009 NUEVO LAREDO OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT

UNCLAS NUEVO LAREDO 000014 FOR DS/OSAC AND DS/IP/WHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC SUBJECT: 2009 NUEVO LAREDO OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT REF: 08 STATE 168473 ¶1. (U) Overall Crime and Safety Situation: ¶A. Crime Threats Despite Mexico's experience with significant increase in violent crimes due to the vicious war between rival drug cartels, Nuevo Laredo continues to show signs of improving the security situation. The city has steadily continued to show a drop in violent crimes, thus reports of violent crimes against U.S. citizens have considerably decreased and reports of kidnappings have essentially ceased. Although violent crimes have decreased significantly, authorities are under no illusion that the narco-traffickers still retain tremendous influence in the city. A renewal of past violence that paralyzed Nuevo Laredo two years ago could return instantly without notice if another narco gang attempted to contest control of this lucrative corridor, or if the efforts of Mexican authorities to combat the cartel's influence sharpens and discomfits the gangs. Therefore visitors are urged to remain vigilant during their stay. Travelers should leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place, or leave them at home since criminals select their victims based on perceived affluence and vulnerability. All visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes when available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing, and carry only cash or credit cards that will be needed for each outing. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, even when in areas generally considered safe. U.S. citizens should be cautious in general when using ATMs in Mexico. Cloning/counterfeiting of ATM cards and credit cards occurs in Mexico, and travelers are advised to check their account activity online at least weekly to detect fraudulent charges early. Visitors are also advised to avoid using bank machines in dark or isolated areas. It is recommended that visitors traveling into Nuevo Laredo on day trips use ATMs in Laredo, TX. Visitors are most vulnerable to assault and robbery when visiting local "red light districts", particularly if they are departing alone in the early hours of the morning. Use caution and common sense when visiting any foreign country. Transportation crime varies by category. Official taxis in Nuevo Laredo are clean and safe. It is recommended to negotiate the price before boarding since meters are not utilized. City buses are generally safe although pickpockets will work the most crowded, busiest routes. All highway travelers should avoid travel at night, use toll roads when possible and plan routes ahead of time and notify family and friends of itinerary. ¶2. (U) Political Violence ¶A. Civil Unrest None ¶B. Demonstrations American interests in Nuevo Laredo are generally not targets of political violence. Small peaceful demonstrations in protest of various U.S. policies occur on occasion; however, no violence has resulted. Avoid demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. ¶C. International Terrorism While there do not appear to be any Middle Eastern terrorist groups currently active in Mexico, lax immigration controls, the ease in which fake Mexican travel documents can be obtained and Mexico's geographic location make the country an attractive transit point for potential transnational terrorists. ¶3. (U) Post-specific concerns The drug trade is a concern since violence among those involved in the trade can and does spillover into the community. Police corruption has long been considered a major problem and such concerns continue through out the ranks. Many Mexicans citizens have little regard for or trust in the police. 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 3,000 per year countrywide. In most cases, the ransom is paid and the 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. In Nuevo Laredo, the police have had success in arresting numerous individuals implicated in the kidnappings of various Mexican and American citizens. A more common type of kidnapping is "express kidnapping" and is based on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards industry-wide. 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. During the past few months, it has become increasingly common for extortionists to call prospective victims on the telephone, posing as kidnappers, and demand payments in return for the release of an abducted family member - usually a child. Persons receiving such calls should be extremely skeptical. Most demands or threats are baseless. Persons receiving such calls should contact the local police immediately by dialing 066 or 867-717-5959. ¶4. (U) Police Response Reports of police corruption and police involvement in criminal activity continue to be a problem in Mexico. Consequently, citizens are often indifferent to police authority, adding to the sense of lawlessness in Nuevo Laredo. The general perception is that the majority of crime victims do not report crimes against them due to fear of reprisals by the police, the belief that police are corrupt, or the feeling that nothing would come from such reports. Nuevo Laredo police are underpaid, poorly trained and corrupt. From 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 of crimes or where a police report is required for insurance purposes. However, police support has been improving and is generally satisfactory for Americans who are victims of non-drug cartel related crimes. To ensure this support, American citizens in need of assistance due to crime or medical emergencies may call the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo. American citizens who are detained and harassed by police may also seek assistance at the Consulate. Travelers may contact the Consular section or the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo 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. 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. The Mexican Police emergency telephone number is 066 or 867-717-5959. ¶5. (U) Medical Emergencies ¶A. Health Concerns Mexico has health concerns. One should take normal tourist precautions with regard to drinking water, eating fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. For more information, contact your health unit or the medical clearances section of the Offices of Medical Services. Health insurance is an important consideration. Travelers are responsible to ensure that they have adequate health coverage while in Mexico. ¶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 Additional Health Information: CDC International Traveler's hotline - 24 hour info available at 888-232-6348 or 800-232-4636 or . For international treatment and medical insurance: AEA International, (206) 340-6000. Air ambulance service (recommended for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the U.S): AEA International, (800) 752-4195. In a medical emergency in Nuevo Laredo, contact either of the following hospitals: Clinica de Especialidades Obregon 3256 Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas Telephone: 867-714-0805 Hospital San Jose Guerrero 3003 Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas Telephone: 867-714-9506 For Further Information: U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo Allende #3330 Colonia Jardin Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas Telephone: 867-714-0512 After hours, U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance from the consulate may call the duty officer at 867-727-2797. Regional Security Officer - Roberto Quiroga at U.S. cell: 956-754-0193. ¶6. (U) Travel Precautions: Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is in good operating condition, paying particular attention to the engine, tires, brakes, 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 and contact numbers. The following items are recommended for extended road trips: 7Cellular telephone with charger (although some areas between cities lack coverage); 7An extra spare tire; 7Portable gas can of gasoline with funnel; 7Potable water; 7Non-perishable food items; 7First Aid kit; 7Camping gear (sleeping bag, blanket, stove, etc); 7Fire extinguisher; 7Jumper cables; 7Flares/reflectors; 7Collapsible shovel; 7Emergency 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; -Electrical tape. ¶A. How to Avoid Becoming a Victim Protecting Your Vehicle Headlights and taillights: The headlights and taillights are held in place by easily accessible screws. Install grilles around the 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. If this is not possible, remove the spare tire and keep it at home, reinstalling it only for extended trips outside the city. 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. Also, if you purchase a car radio, look for models that can be removed from the dash and locked in the trunk. Also, 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, or in a parking lot with an attendant, or at least within view of the location of your visit. If this isn't possible, leave your car at home and take a taxi. When parking shopping facility lot, 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: As previously mentioned, installation of a car alarm is a necessary precaution in deterring vehicle thefts and thefts of interior contents. 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 or front jacket pocket. Never leave shopping bags or merchandise unattended. When hiring domestic help, vet them to the greatest extent that you can. Ensure that they are trained not to volunteer information to strangers or to allow access of workers without prior authorization. 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. Avoid sitting outside at restaurants. Instead, try to find a seat in an area not clearly visible from the street. 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. ¶B. Further Information Security Companies Operating in Mexico: There are numerous private security companies available in Mexico City and nationwide. The Regional Security Office (RSO) at U.S. Embassy Mexico City does not endorse any specific private security company, but provides the following list for information purposes only: 7 ADT Security Services 7 SEPSA 7 Securitas 7 Grupo Protec 7 Intercon Security Services ¶7. (U) Other Relevant Information: Mexico country code: 52 Nuevo Laredo area code: 867 U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo Allende 3330 Col. Jardin Nuevo Laredo 88260 Telephone - 714-0512 Regional Security Office 0800-1700 M-F RSO can be contacted 24/7 by calling the Embassy Switchboard Operator - 55-5080-2000 U.S. Embassy Mexico City Paseo de la Reforma, 305 Mexico, D.F. 06500 Telephone - 5080-2000 (24/7 switchboard operator) STONE