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)


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