Mexico - Express Kidnappings - Mexico City

Just got a call from La Cochinita's sister in Mexico City. While out grocery shopping she was robbed this afternoon about 3 p.m. in the northern suburbs by two thugs with pistols in a supermarket parking lot. They forced her to drive to a nearby ATM and withdraw the maximum amount allowed (5000 pesos - apx. US$500) then let her go. Fortunately she was not physically harmed and they did not steal her car. There's little that can be done; I'll try and encourage her to report the crime to the police but Mexicans have an inherent distrust of their police force. I'm thinking the ATM probably has a security camera and at least detectives might get some pictures of the perps. Chances are this isn't the first nor last time they've done this.

This so-called "express kidnapping" is unfortunately a problem in Mexico City. I would not let this dissuade me from traveling there, but I would definitely encourage a hightened state of awareness and avoid carrying anything I wasn't willing to part with in the event of a robbery.

I've known people who have gone through express kidnappings (exactly of this sort) in Buenos Aires (right after the Argentine currency meltdown), but fortunately that has declined substantially there.

The ATM footage may or may not be useful, but without the police on board -- and getting them on board in Mexico is not easy -- there's probably not a whole lot to do. (Furthremore, investigating the matter may even end up with the victim facing increased risk/more threats -- especially if this is a store the victim frequents.)

We use an ATM card tied to a secondary account and sweep amounts over from the primary account to the ATM card from the secondary account (with a much smaller balance) so that a good amount of money can be given to the criminals but the maximum withdrawal amount is not a possibilty. [Don't want to come across as being rich, for that could lead to a bigger mess (i.e., real kidnapping for ransom).]

Cochi, I'm sorry to hear that. My sistel lives in MEX and has some stories to tell too, unfortunately.

I'd be reluctant to get involved with the Mexico City police if I had been express kidnapped (or had been a victim of any kind of crime) - better to see a clinical social worker or psychologist to deal with PTSD issues. The police will add hassle, probably attempt to extort you and just further ruin your day. Unfortunately, in some areas, police are a big part of the problem; in my old home town of Cuernavaca, I was told by reliable people that of 300 "express kidnappings" one year, it was estimated 80% were carried out by state (Morelos) police.

If I were visiting in Mexico and experienced crime against me, I would call the special number in Mexico City for SECTUR (Secretariat of Tourism) immediate tourist assistance: 52 50 01 23.

(The US Secretary of State lists as: "Call (55) 5250-0123, the 24-hour hotline of the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. They also have two toll free numbers: if calling within Mexico (01) 800-903-9200 and from the U.S. 1-800-482-9832. The hotline is for immediate assistance but it provides general, non-emergency guidance as well. It is an important number to keep with you. In an emergency, you should also call the U.S. Embassy, nearest U.S. consulate or consular agent."

You can also contact (if you are American, of course,)

American Embassy
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
Mexico 06500, D.F.
Telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000
Telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000
Long distance telephone within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/emenu.html

To manage your risks and learn more about travel in Mexico from the US Department of State's perspective, read their "Trips for Travelers to Mexico (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1174.html)" page.

My sister-in-law is Mexican (lives in the State of Mexico near Cd.Satelite) so SECTUR would be of no help but thanks for the info as I'll keep it in mind for La Cochinita and I next time we visit. You're right about the police; my sister in law said last night that calling them would be more hassle than its worth. Really unfortunate, but I guess that's the system they have down there.

I got some more details from her - apparently she had her window rolled down and one of the goons stuck a pistol in her face. Forced her to drive to another store where one of them stayed outside and the other one walked in with her, holding a gun to her back hidden by a sweater. Told her that if she tried anything he'd shoot her in the back right there in the store. Walked her right past the ubiquitous security guards that you see in Mexico (you know, the ones with shotguns or automatic weapons). They went over to an ATM inside the store where she had to withdraw the cash (GUWonder - Thanks for the tip by the way, that's something I'm going to also remember to do about linking cards). Outside they two thugs claimed to know where she lived, threatened her and the family with harm if she reported the crime then took off running.

Cochi, I imagined your sister-in-law would not find SECTUR of much use - I posted it for those on this board who are going to visit Chilangolandia, rather than those of us who live there or visit less as tourists.

The "we know wher eyou live" thing is quite common. My brother in law was held up in his offices, all the employees were relieved of their possessions, and he was made to sign several company checks - "If you try to put a hold on these, we know where you live, your family will be made into carnitas" etc. They probably did not know, but it's a threat that is very intimidating.

Of course, he did not go to the police either - they would have pulled the "Oh, yes, we are close to arresing those thugs, but you know how scarce resources are, if you could help out..." until you quit paying the "mordida" (baksheesh) and then they tell you the trail got cold - assuming they ever knew anything, or the bandits weren't cops to begin with. :rolleyes:

When I go home to Mexico (or similar places) I have a "bait" wallet with some old credit cards and the phoney ones the banks send out with the CEO's name on them, a few Mexican or Argentine pesos, rupiahs, Turkish lira, Kenya shillings or whatever, and if they take that, well... no major loss.

The rule of thumb in Mexico City (and similar high-crime areas) is to drive with windows up and closed, doors locked. To ignore that is to ask for an assault or holdup, just as keeping a purse on a back or passenger seat is an invitation to a broken window.

My sister was followed by some rough-looking guys in a vehicle as she left a SuperAMA supermarket - she drove to a rich politician's house in San Angel. When they saw the bodyguards with automatic weapons, radios, etc. they got out of there fast. She stopped and chatted with htem a few minutes adn drove home. Not a bad idea!

I think GUWonder's idea is a good one too - an ATM card tied to secondary account so they don't get ideas and decide to hold one for ransom.


Saludos desde - Carmichael! :D