This is the location for first person reports of muggings in the ZN, either from victims or eye witnesses. Please include the following in your report:

Location (if on Articulo 123, indicate distance from the Arch)

Direction you were walking

Time of Day:

I believe that accumulation of this data, and publication here would prove useful for the users of this BBS.

Date: Monday, January 2001 (RickFeliz)

Location: Articulo 123, distance from Arch n/a

On the sidewalk.

Direction: n/a

Time of day: n/a

Date: 9/3/01 (Milkman - witness)

Location: Across from El Taurino Bar, by taco cart

Direction: n/a

Time of day: 4 am

Choke hold.

Date: n/a (694me)

Location: Articulo 123

Direction: n/a

Time of Day: 4:30 pm.

Attempted choke hold - 3 guys.

Date reported: 4/17/02 (Dogster)

Location: Articulo 123, 1/2 block from Revo

Direction: East

Time of day: daylight

Dec 2003 I was a Witness

Artticulo 123 20yards from Constitution
north side of street;

2 25 to 30 year olds chocked single 45ish YO gringo

Approx 2:00PM

Total time 30-40 seconds

Report posted on other site at time of incident:
I took a trip south to the playground "ZN". I was walking on 1st street from rev toward constitution and about 50 feet in front of me by the payphone just east of contatution there were 2 guys taking down a Gringo.
One had the guy in a Police choke hold while the other cleaned his pockets. The Gringo went down out cold as the pair ran by me toward Revolution. The whole episode took maybe 45 seconds and was over by the time it registered with me what had happened. These bandido's were dressed like middle income clean cut gringo mid twenty year olds. I thought for an instant of grabbing one of them as they ran within 10 feet of me, but who knows what problems I could have created for myself. After less than a minute the gringo came to and grogily checked his pockets and was shown which way the bad guys went. This happened at 1:40PM with lots of people around..
What could have happened if I did get involved. In the US I probably would have. Maybe stupid up here also but thats me.

Date: 2/19/04 (Poppabear (victim))

Location: Articulo 123 North side 30 m from Arch

Direction: going west

Time of Day: 6:45 pm dark

Choke hold. I think there were two guys.

PoppaBear: were you on the sidewalk or the street?

Oh this is a good thread . Is this another attempt to create fear and paranoia to try and keep the Zona traffic down? The Culture of Fear? We'll have grown men taking cabs from AB to CC again ...

OK, I'll play ... don't forget my favorite story of the knife wielding 15-year-old girl on the bridge. LOL. That just beats out Milky spotting a mugging a block away and running for his life to the first available cab (insert mental image of quivering Chihuahua).

Of course, if you look at the Zona from a mugger's perspective, it's a goldmine. Plenty of old men (easy targets). Most with a couple of hundred bucks on them for the ho's. Many are drunk. Most are not stupid enough to carry a weapon stronger than pepper spray (except the guy who carries around the full bottle of water to smash muggers over the head with ). Be afraid! Be very afraid!

I've never seen anything close to a mugging in all my visits to TJ and I walk in and out 90% of the time. Worry more about pickpockets, shady waiters and stinky pussy.

-Superman-

Please add the following data elements to your accounts when you post:

Day of Week

Walking on sidewalk or street? If sidewalk, which side (north or south).

Day of week: Thursday
Sidewalk or street: Middle of sidewalk.

Well, we gotta know. Perhaps if while travelling in packs we can help out a buddy then it's worth it. A crime is a crime and the bad guys deserve to get theirs if a group of us are around. Let's start thinking about safety and what we need to know to make the place as safe as we can for each other. I do not have an incident but wanted to chime in to encourage those affected to report.

PoppaBear:

I imagine that 'middle of sidewalk' mean literally that, you were walking about half a meter from each side of the edge of the sidewalk. However, it would be useful to know if you were walking on the El Fracaso side of the street, or the south side.

Two old attacks…

When: Thanksgiving 1996 about 9:30 pm

Where: Articulo 123 north side about a third of a block west of Revolution

Walking on the sidewalk towards Revolution, Lots of people around

Standard Choke Hold, at least 2 guys

---------------------------------------------------
When: September 1999, Weekend either a Friday or Saturday. There was a big boxing match that night. 9:00 – 10:00 pm.

Where: Articulo 123 south side just before the plaza, almost exactly across the street as the first one.

Walking on the sidewalk towards Revolution and behind a closed news stand.

Standard Choke Hold, at least 2 guys

--------------------------------------------

Both times I was mugged because I made myself an easy target. I was not paying attention to my surroundings and I had dropped my guard. Both attacks could have been avoided just by being aware of were I was and walking in the street.

Both muggings were identical. There was no time to react. I had no idea I was in danger until there was an arm around my neck and my feet were off the ground. I was unconscious in a matter of seconds.

The first time they got every thing in my pants pockets (about $30) but missed my keys and ID that were in a jacket pocket. The second time they did the same thing but only got $1 from my pants and missed the $80+ and ID in my jacket.

The bad guys are looking for easy targets. You are fairly safe in TJ if you just keep your guard up and use common sense.

- Avoid walking around when you are very drunk.
- If possible walk with some friends.
- Walk in the streets. Especially on Articulo
123 between Revolution & Constitution
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look around
a lot, walk with purpose (like you have lived
there all your life).
- Keep your money in several places on your
body. (Jacket pockets, money belt, in
your shoe, etc…)
- Don’t carry more money then you plan to spend
and avoid bring anything else that you can’t
afford to loose to TJ.
- Take a taxi if you feel uncomfortable or if
you are drunk.

Dimone

Your advice is good. What's different about these old attacks is that you were walking away from the Zona, ie when most mongers are dead broke. Perhaps these guys learned something over time.

Day of week: Thursday
Sidewalk or street: Middle of north (El Fracaso) sidewalk

A few short years ago, a Mon. nite 3:30 am just to the left of Paris hotel entry up on 1st street. 3 young tough thugs- choke hold from behind as I was talking to chica up against wall. Got lucky... survived the knife wound & fought them off. No, the girls didn`t offer any assistance. And Yes, I deserved it at that hour- solo. The 1st St. stretch between Constitution & Ninos Heroes is renowned for robbers/muggers among the Mexican residents in the quad.

Fellow mongers; this database of muggings and robberies is great, not for the incidents, but, to be aware of what's going on here. i sometimes tend to walk around with my wallet and cards, money and things i should leave in the hotel. guess i have to start not taking things for granted. no sense in pushing your luck. is safe to say; when in TJ, just take what you are going to spend and leave everything else in your room.///

Good advice. I never take a credit card down and always have my DL hidden as well as money stashed where TJ's finest can't find it without some effort.

It just takes a 1 mugging to lose your car & house keys, DL, credit cards, etc. all in about 2 minutes time. Then you are screwed but not in the preferable way.

Keep an extra set of keys (your main set) in the hotel and one under the car in a magnetic holder (2 for 99cents at 99cent store).. Chances are if you are prepared it won't happen.

Day of Week (Friday)

Location: Articulo 123 North side, past Constitucion, by the bakery

Direction: going west

Sidewalk: Yes

Time of Day: afternoon, 1:30 pm

Choke hold.

Ex, did you happen to witness this one yourself? I've been reading this thread with some concern.

I was in the area last week and couldn't walk ten feet without continuously looking over my shoulder. It's getting to a point where I won't set foot inside TJ unless I have a trip buddy come with me.

I have never seen a mugging in TJ, although I often stay at the hotel Enva right on Articulo 123. I never walk on the sidewalk there, though.

This whole thread is too fucking scary. You know...when I visit other parts of Mexico like Sonora or Mexicali, crime is never a top priority concern for me.

It's always good to use caution wherever you go, especially in a Third World country. But these ongoing street robberies which can easily result in serious injury or death is getting ridiculous.

I don't have to remind you that TJ has been the main dump-off point for deported convicts. They are desparate and they know the craft well. You have every reason to be frightened. Travelling in packs and looking "mean" is a good tactic since they pick their victim by how easy he "looks."

While there is safety in numbers, these animals usually travel in packs as well. Take the taxi my friends. $5.00 is a small price to pay to ensure your safety.

I always take my car in and park in the paid lot across from CC. They know me there and take care of my care.

What is a bit disconcerting is the hotel behind the lot that always seems to have several guys out looking over the lot.

There is a 10' fence around the lot topped with razor wire and it seems safe enough for my vehicle. Again, they watch the car.

Invest int he taxi, don't walk my brothers.

Country John

That's good advice C.J. (I don't see your postings much anymore BTW, what happened?)and good info. You are absolutely correct about TJ being the main "dump-off point" for convicted convicts. Without even revealing or going into any detail about what I do for a living, I have absolute first hand knowledge regarding convicted criminals who are quite literally bussed from Los Angeles County to the US/Mexican border and dropped off.

In fact, most panhandlers on the corner of AB, (on the eastside, looking at CC) will openly admit they got deported from the US when asking if you can spare a buck. That's why they speak such good English. Another very obvious tell-tale sign is the prison tattoos, mainly on the back of their necks.

What they DON'T tell you, is they were convicted of a serious crime that warranted immediate investigation into their residency status, which eventually led them to the country of origin where they were born. Meaning, they were also tried by a deportation judge and subsequently deported as a result of their added sentencing.

And I know what you mean about all those guys above that parking lot looking down onto the parked vehicles. Don't worry, they can't get to your car unless the parking lot attendant is asleep.

The lot attendants do a good job in keeping an eye on the place. All it would take is word of mouth if someone's car was burglarized or vandalized. It's always a good thing also to tip the attendant, which I always do, to keep a good eye on things.

I stopped parking my vehicle in that lot across from CC anyway, because I hardly ever patronize CC anymore. Why should I? No heavy-set chicas!

M. Bates.

MBates:

Sounds like some 832pc ramblings there my brother. You are right on the money. I've had many hustlers tell me they just got deporterd.

I tip the attendant for sure. Always a buck. One guy (can't remember his name) I gave a pin to now he alwys wears it and shows it to me when I get there. The middle age balding guy witht eh moustache. Theyh do a good job.

I'm still around, still mongering, still posting, still falling on love with these chicas, you know how that shit goes. AlleyKat 22 is scheduled for this week in TJ but I might get off to Monterrey for a few days. Waiting for my plans to settle. Then I'm off to Honolulu for a week on the 29. No mongering there though, it's the land of the $100.00 hand job.

I've posted AlleyKat 19, 20 and 21 so if you didn't catch them they are out there.

Whena re you next in TJ?

Country John

Probably going to hit TJ this Thursday. Will do a quick overnighter bombing run. Want to hook up for a brew?

Hey Masterbates, I might take an overnighter on Thurs also. I like to sort of break the fear of being mugged.

Let me know when and where.

Pecs

Please don't post off-topic messages here. Discussions should not be mixed in with reports.

Sorry Ex8939. Pecs, go to your inbox.

Master B.

The tough part about muggings in TJ is that they occur when it is crowded on the streets. This is opposite of what happens in the US.

I am a victim waiting to happen as I walk around. Taking a taxi will not be a good solution for me as I walk around looking for new bars to explore. 50/50 chance that I will be alone. I try to stay away from Articulo 123 as that is the hotbed for muggings.

The common thread here seems to be the choke hold. I will be aware of that. Who knows the best way to defend against a choke hold if one is slapped on you?

There is no defense against a choke hold. Its like asking what is the best defense against getting hit on the head - once you are hit, you are out.

Please take discussions about crime elsewhere, this topic is reserved for data.

Explorer,

If you're a big ugly guy like me, and the drunk slob Mexicans trying to choke me are dumb enough to try and gang me, I just throw the leader over my shoulder and watch the others run. I will take a choke hold over a knife anyday of the week, and twice on Sundays.

WT:

Please don't take up space in this section by posting how tough you are. That information does not help the rest of us know what places the rateros are using to attack their victims.

Choke holds seem to be the favorita of the drunk criminal in TJ. I am telling you that if they are drunk, and have you in a choke hold, they are much easier handled than if they use a knife. I was held up in the alley behind the AB four years ago. Hence, my account.

Hmmm...let's take a look at this Ex. One of the hotels you've utilized and sometimes even lauded since you decided to join the boycott of the Cascades is the Hotel Enva...exactly right in the middle of ratero alley (i.e. Articulo 123)...the featured geographic situs of this public spirited thread that Explorer8939 is bringing us. So EX beds down right in the middle of the Big X...as in marks the spot. But no doubt the reports in your special thread have turned you into a much more cautious and prepared denizen of the Primero scene than you once were, right EX? Or are you just a little white bunny rabbit sleeping with a boa constrictor? Damn Ex, you are fucken all-conquering!

Often self-contradictory and occasionally hypocritical, whether you're just a troll or a conman, perhaps a prankster or a fool (I suspect a synthesis of all, and I have seen your uncommon ability to even con yourself), you're entertaining as hell and so freakishly subtle. CH just wouldn't be any fun without ya' Ex...one of the best long running shows on the TJ boards.

Well OK, given the seriousness of this topic and knowing that newbies and other good fellows are innocently reading this thread, I have to offer the disclaimer that nothing Ex has asserted within is bad info as far as I'm concerned...the big picture distorts, naturally, but not incorrect per se.

Once again, the data contained in this thread demonstrates that the perpetrators of the choke hold tend to strike people walking on the sidewalk of Articulo 123. Therefore, when I leave the Fracaso Bar or Hotel Enva, I zip out into the street, and walk either east or west. Of course, even when blind drunk, I look around a lot until I hit Constitucion where I completely drop my guard.

Need a lowdown--I'm a short Woody Allen looking guy, about 5'5", con the curly hair and glasses as well. Does this make me a more likely target for getting attacked and mugged, especially in the Zona? Don't worry about hurting my feelings -- I don't have a big ego. Actually I'm probably not small compared to the average Mexican. I actually weigh 160, but you would NEVER know it looking at me. The way I carry my weight, I look very thin, short, and wimpy

Travis

Travis,
Just take a cab to Adelita or Chicago and take a cab back. Read this in the Tijuana Topic section "Tijuana for Newbies".
CG

The common wisdom says it doesn't matter if you're Woody Allen or...eh...Superman. It says that ratero success is built upon the element of surprise and the infallability of the ratero choke hold...i.e. that any surprised individual no matter how big or small will go to sleep instantly.

Common sense says that it DOES matter because there are amateur ratero chokers and professional ratero chokers, and the amateurs have a better chance of scoring the wimps than they do the superheroes. But, surprise is still the key element. So if you maintain 360 degree consciousness you aren't likely to be a selected victim. If you think somebody is following you with bad intent, step aside or into a storefront or a club and let him/them pass. For another layer of protection, walk in the street and not the sidewalk.

HOWEVER, don't be sucked in by the hysteria that is a natural product of threads like this one and sometimes intentionally perpetrated. You do not face a high percentage risk of danger on any street in TJ where there is active nightlife including Art. 123. If you like TJ enough to come back repeatedly, expand your horizons beyond AB/CC and don't worry about being victimized. Overwhelmingly the odds are that you won't be victimized by bad guys other than perhaps police officers who commit hundreds of times more offenses against travelers than local rateros (but I don't worry about the cops either).

Those very few who have been victimized righteously feel that the danger level is high. If you have never been victimized like I haven't over nearly a decade of doing every goddamn thing in every goddamn place, then you are lulled into the trap of thinking there is no danger. The truth is that there is a very small risk in present day zona norte of violent crime to traveling gringos large and small, and that risk is manageable and reduced by the simple act of keeping your wits about you as you enjoy the wider adventures that the zona has to offer.

Thanks for the info once again Erip.

Travis

Please don't use this section for discussions about avoiding getting mugged, fighting back, etc. The request is only to list actual muggings and attempts here.

OK, only the bad news here. No balance or perspective permitted. I now understand that this is the section of CH reserved for Explorer to promulgate hysteria and fear in newbies without painting the larger picture.

Btw Hombres, 2 people were shot dead on the Harbor Freeway in L.A. a few weeks ago. AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!

Exactly!! Excellent post, Erip.

-Superman-

Superman Lives!

First post in over one year.

Where have you been?

Studying his trivia because he's tired of being my bitch?

I check in every now and then. I just completely lost interest in the whole TJ whore scene, so hanging around the TJ boards does not make much sense.

If I recall correctly, the only trivia Porker won was the one I missed ...

-Superman-

If we see a post from Dogster, then we'll finally confirm that Dogster and Superman are the same person.

Another call for first person accounts of muggings in TJ. The reports of muggings have virtually disappeared over the last couple of years, which is a good thing, but I am not sure its because there are fewer muggings, or people aren't reporting them here.

At any rate, please post your first person account (meaning that it happened to you, or you saw one), using the criteria mentioned above. Please, no reports that start off "my friend told me" or "I heard that".

Anyone knows the street name from the corner of the taco stands I think it's past Tropical Bar but not sure,Any advice for driving into Calle Couilhila street I think its the name

We are violating Explorer's TOS for use of this thread but it looks like this old thread's usefulness has expired...or never was. We have learned that there are hardly ever any muggings and when there are, they take place exactly where we always knew they take place.

So your question about driving with presumed police subtext is much more important. We all know now that police illegality is the primary obstacle to TJ enjoyment.

Tips on driving in la zona:

1. Don't drive there if you are guilty of any crime, most especially drunk driving.

2. If you drive at night in la zona, anticipate the police stopping you.

3. In my experience (I've now been stopped numerous times when behind the wheel), you are tremendously more likely to be stopped by police on deserted streets than on the major traffic arteries like Coahuila between Revolucion and Niños Heroes (that's the street name you wanted). Coahuila east of Revo is another story - especially at night.

The most likely place to be stopped is along the route from the zona to the border if you park on Constitucion at Hotel Leyva or the Molino Rojo lot across the street. When departing, you must turn north on one-way Constitucion into a desolate part of the zona. This is their favorite place to nab gringos...but you aren't out of the woods until you've entered the Via Rapida...a few weeks ago I was stopped right at that entrance near la zona and a 30 minute shakedown attempt followed - but failed.

If you stay on the busier routes you face checkpoints at night, but a lower risk of random stops.

4. Do not pay any mordidas to solve phony charges thrown at you by the police. You owe this to your fellow mongers and all the honest citizens of Tijuana. If you don't agree that it is your civic duty to resist corruption, please don't come to TJ.

Otherwise, look out for drunks jaywalking all over the place, massive potholes - especially at the intersections, and see if you can manage to runover a Mermaids barker or two!

(Message edited by erip on March 05, 2007)

(Message edited by erip on March 05, 2007)

Good info from Erip and I would add:

When the policia stop you:
You do not have to go see the judge for a traffic violation, tell them you know they are required to give you the ticket and you then have 72 hours to pay the fine. If they ask how you know this tell them you met with Sr. Manrique, he's the Director of the Sindicatura which is the agency that combats corruption in the police department. If it's a legitimate violation you will want to negotiate a lesser fine on the spot, $20 should do for anything less than a DUI. If it's a trumped up charge hold your ground and you will be let go. If they search you, hold your money in your hand during the search.

thanks for the info drevil,Erip I'll keep note of that I like you saidrunover a Mermaids barker or two lol Be safe out their.

Does anyone know any news about the pedestrican brige that goes across the international border? any reports of mugging or police shake down?

No muggings but police shakedowns are not uncommon. Just like everywhere else though, as long as you are not carrying anything illegal don't worry and just hold your money in your hand during any search.

I read on a non-hooker board of a strategy that can be used by drivers and peds. On a small piece of paper write Sindicatura and their phone number. Tape it to the back of your I.D.

When the pinchy chota stops you and attempts to shake you down, hand them your I.D. and when they see the back of the ID they'll realize you are a step above "dumb gringo" and will cease and desist. At least in theory.

I haven't tried it as I don't get down to TJ that often, and I've been lucky in that I am yet to be stopped for a shakedown.

good luck

justdan,

If you go on TJA at all someone posted a copy of Sr. Manrique's business card. I printed it out, shrunk it down and laminated it and have one in my wallet next to my DL and one sitting on the console of my car. If you don't have access to TJA and want a copy PM me an email and I can send it to you.

Dr.E

I do have access to TJA

My post above is for those newbies or vets that don't have membership to TJA.

Thx. and have a good one bud.

jd

Tj is very dangerous indeed. Once I was involved in a situation where two men were attempting to mug me. Now I played football in my high school days, worked out alot, played offensive line. I'm 6'2, 315lbs, and I know I don't look like someone you can just mug. Well, they don't care, they'll mug you even if your a Pro UFC fighter. I just arrived at the Tj airport from Chihuahua, and once I'm outside the terminal I'm looking for a taxi to take me to the line. Out of the blue, I didn't see two men approach me and suddenly one of them grabs me from behind and the other trys yanking away my luggage. I have a strong grip, and I can assure you I'm not easy when it comes to taking me down. I fended myself, started to swing at them, I punched one right in the face pushing him into the street, then the other just took off. It all happen very quickly, they got nothing. Just to show you, it doesn't matter if your a little or big man, all that matters is how you react. The instant you feel someone grab at you you react instantly and always fight.

Anytime you fly into TIJ you should take one of the shuttle busses that make the runs from the airport to the border.

When you get your bags, right after you run them through the X-Ray machine hang a right, walk about 10 to 20 yards and you will see the busses. You can buy a ticket from Volaris for $15 that will take you all the way to the Amtrack station in downtown San Diego.

RG.

Came back from Coahulia late one night and I see these two TJ cops that look alot like Laurel and Hardy. They ask to see my driver's licence and I responded back to them in spanish. They were surprised that I was fluent in spanish, and handed back my license. I guess they figured I was not an easy target. Friggin putos!

Beware of increased muggings occurring on Coahuila Ave. between Revolution and Constitution.

Since the beginning of the year, and especially this last month, there has been a rash of grab-n-dash robberies and serious mugging on this block.
Several events of this type occurred by Hotel Pepe (Near the HDS) on the north side of the street. And at least two more events of this nature happened recently near the entrance to Hotel Caesar, which is located towards the middle of the south side of that block. Please don't confuse this run-down, scummy Hotel Caesar with the other Hotel Caesar located on Revo near 4th street.

If you are staying overnight at the Hacienda de Santiago (HDS), which is located on the NW corner of Revolution and Constitution (two storefronts from Hotel Pepe) , be very careful as you walk this one small (recently dangerous) block towards the crossroads and the heart of LZ. You might consider walking in the street instead of the sidewalk, which was a defense strategy over a decade ago when walking ratero alley (immediately west of the arch).

It has been speculated among my friends that some of the policia assigned to work the La Zona area might even be complicit with the local rateros working in that immediate area - possibly sharing in some of the ill gotten gains with the rateros. I know of a monger that was attacked by two rateros in late February on Coahuila, a little east of Constitution. One of the rateros hit the monger in the eye that left him with a fracture just below the eye. This happened around 10PM. He is an experienced monger, often seeking out gringa walkers in that area. He didn't get a good look at his two assailants and the policia that later assisted him discouraged him from filing a police report. They said that without a good look at the muggers, the report would do little good.