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Santiago
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Can anyone from Mulege confirm this story?
From the BajaQuest forums:
Posted February 03, 2011 02:12 PM
So, the saga continues........... First off, please read my original post "THEIVES ABOUND ON BAHIA CONCEPCION" to this whole blog.
I'd posted my epistle about the fact that SOMEBODY KNOWS WHO, and lo! and behold, once the dust settled a little, the truth is even stranger than
fiction, and the story right out of a Michael Chrighton novel.
My buddy had his motorcycle ripped off at our beach; he went directly to La Policia Municipal in Mulege and reported it on the day of the robbery, did
all the necessary things to get wheels turning. He spent many hours the next few days delivering and posting fliers offering a fairly substantial
reward (recompensa) for the return of his bike, including in Loreto and AT the Loreto Municpal Police station. No Officer or Detective came to the
beach to investigate or take any evidence whatsoever.
After several days of interfacing with locals and friends (La Gente Mexicanos) of the area, we found out some fascinating facts. The theif is not only
well-known, but the WHOLE DAMNED TOWN KNOWS WHO IT IS !! The day after his robbery, he apparently crashed the stolen bike into a cow, and broke an
arm, (oh, sorry, not his neck... not enough for me) but his family spread the story he fell off a horse. Now the plot thickens. Through friends WE
found out he was in a hospital in La Paz with injuries from "the horse" accident. He is well-known for car theft and theft of all kinds, it's his way
of making his living, probably the single most notorious theif of the ENTIRE AREA, been in jail and released several times. Even busted for stealing a
motorcycle in Sta. Rosalia earier this year. All the local people I talked to confirmed this guy is just a BAD GUY and probably the one that has hit
everything lately, including stealing my outboard and another outboard this last Spring, and probably the theft at Playa Coyote this summer, as well
as several others recently. And THE WHOLE TOWN knows, EVERYBODY knows INCLUDING THE LOCAL POLICIA knows 'Koki' (I know his real name, but will
withhold it for reasons of possible libel). Heaven forbid there were any kick-backs to allow the theiving to continue.
"So, how much you sell it for?"
"Ten thousand pesos."
''Good, you give me half and I don't arrest you!"
Naw, that would NEVER HAPPEN IN MULEGE. Or Loreto for that matter.
The local Policia Municipal didn't make ANY EFFORT WHATSOEVER to notify my friend that the bike was in CUSTODY IN LORETO and the crime was apparently
solved, the bike found and impounded on the 12th, just two days after the robbery... once my friend learned that his bike was found TEN DAYS LATER,
and he reported it to the Mulege Policia, they CONFIRMED the bike was in custody, and told him they had photos of the bike but couldn't show them to
him for security reasons... we find out the perpetrator's pic is in the local NEWSPAPER (periodico) and the story of the thief 'falling off a horse AT
ONE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING is there too !! However, NO ARREST OR CHARGES ARE FILED ! So yes, crime is solved. Yes, the exact motorcycle is in Loreto,
the U.S. registration confirms it IS the motorcyle that was stolen. The person that crashed the bike is known to be a convicted theif, jailed for the
exact same crimes, and multiple ones. Now the same person is free and roaming about Mulege as if nothing has happened.
Once my friend started the recovery process for his bike the red-tape, the 'paperwork' snafu and run-around with appointments with officials showing
up late and fees for re-registering the motorcycle onto Mexican registration, and fees for certified translators and multiple trips into town
(although the Policia can't afford gas out to our Playa to at least notify that the bike was indeed found) are right out of the Twilight Zone. Three
trips into town just to start the paperwork and recovery process only to find there's two trips to Sta. Rosalia to get the Federale's approval and
'rubber stamp', because they also were involved, before a trip to Loreto can be made to recover the stolen property IF all the neccessary paperwork is
done, and IF the proper person is there in Loreto to handle the forms and process the paperwork, because he just so happens to be out of town on
vacation until the middle of next week, and couldn't be reached by phone or email. On top of all that, there is a citation issued on the bike for
being crashed and left on the side of the road which my friend is responsible for and must pay before the bike can be released, even though it was
reported stolen two days before the crash.
Then comes a trip to Loreto on the 31st, 3 full weeks after the robbery. We track down and locate the bike at the local impound lot, and after talking
with the Policia Municipales in two different stations, everyone knows about it, and we're run around all afternoon with what turns out to be
'clandestine' meetings with two local M.P. officers at 6:00 p.m. that evening to 'view the bike', and at that time were asked to pay the 'recompensa'
(reward) we'd offered for the return of the bike. 'Mordida' I believe it's called down here. My friend had personally posted reward posters AT THE
POLICE STATION in Loreto only two days after the theft, the Policia had done absolutely NOTHING to notify him of their posession of the bike; the
Mulege Policia had promised on the first day of reporting the theft the report would go out on the internet to Loreto, Cd. Constitution, both to
Municipalities, and the Federales as well. We find EVERYONE knows about it, NOBODY lifts a finger to notify the victim, the bike sits for THREE WEEKS,
HE finds it HIMSELF by personal leg-work and inside information, and now THE POLICIA WANT THE REWARD for (not) doing what they're paid to do in the
first place. I DON'T F-ING THINK SO !!
My GOD, Mulege !!! You want tourism? You want economical growth??? I have news for you, NOT WITH THIS KIND OF HORSE MANURE !! I hope this gets
translated and sent on to those who are ''in the know" about how business works. The true business owners of Mulege need to band together and stand up
to the local so-called Policia and Oficiales of El Gobierno and tell them they are defacating in their own nests. As I said before, the gringo
community does in the most part fuel the economy of this area, and especially after the major hurricanes, 5 in 6 years, the aid from El Norte has been
there, as have the rotarian clinic and private and public charities..... NO, we don't do this for any recompense, but damnit, TIT FOR TAT.
THIS IS INSULTING IN A BROAD HUMANITARIAN SENSE.
Bottom line.... happy endings, he got his bike back albeit a little worse for wear (there are serious damages, and need of extensive repair from the
accident and from breaking into the ignition set). In order to recover his bike he had to pay a Federal citation for the wrecked bike left on the side
of the road, and three weeks of storage charges incurred while EVERYONE SAT ON THEIR THUMBS BUT HIM, and all on 'Mexican Standard Time'. Yes, it's how
it's always been down here. I'm personally not surprised in the least; however I'm totally appalled at the audacity of the municipal cops and their
lack of action WHEN IT WAS TOTALLY APPARENT THE CRIME WAS SOLVED, THE PROPERTY RECOVERED AND THE THIEF NOT IN CUSTODY. Bad enough when it is any gray
area, this is open and shut case. C'mon, MULEGE !! I used to complain when I would hear a long-time Gringo resident disrespect local people and
customs. I still do. The longer I spend down here the more I understand where these rooted feelings emanate from.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Welcome to Mexico... it is great as long as nothing bad happens!
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mulegemichael
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Location: sequim,wa. and mulege
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i personally can't confirm the story, but i sure don't doubt it...we returned to mulege last saturday evening after being stateside for a few
weeks...parked our 4runner inside our compound as we always do...woke up the next morning to find the inside of it tossed and the battery
missing..also had a battery zapper stolen at the same time that was inside our shop...i know, my fault for not locking everything up...thing is, i
went to the city hall and cop shop and reported everything, did all the paperwork, etc......never had anyone from law enforcement stop by or contact
us...i've heard the story too many times..
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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Russ
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May have helped to pay 1/2 the reward when reporting the loss?
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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Santiago
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 8-27-2003
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Russ
May have helped to pay 1/2 the reward when reporting the loss? |
Russ: would you explain this a little? Do you mean that if he had paid the police half the reward when he filed the report, then the police would
then do their job? Are you surmising this or speaking from experience? BTW, I'm only asking out of ignorance, not trying to start some culture clash.
It is what it is.
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ArvadaGeorge
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I camped just down the beach from these Guys. Yes the motorcycle was not chained up and was stolen and they offered a reward( i saw flyers several
places) -- that much i can confirm
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Russ
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Santiago
| Quote: | Originally posted by Russ
May have helped to pay 1/2 the reward when reporting the loss? |
Russ: would you explain this a little? Do you mean that if he had paid the police half the reward when he filed the report, then the police would
then do their job? Are you surmising this or speaking from experience? BTW, I'm only asking out of ignorance, not trying to start some culture clash.
It is what it is. |
I understand you want info not conflict. I have heard many stories from friends and friends of friends and perhaps here too. If you ask to see the
jefe and explain you situation and ask if you could donate something towards the Easter or Xmas fund the jefe may expedite the search. I
haven't had to do this with police but other things I have put a little something forward and it does at times expedite work.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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cabo3100
Junior Nomad
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Hey in Lopez we spot the local cops $$ for gas to cruze the property.
They did so well that they caught me stumbling around after one too many margaritas and herded me back in the gate
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vgabndo
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We were pretty amused at the level and IN-YOUR-FACE campaigning for BCS offices. I'd be curious to know of any of those people were saying ANYTHING
truthful about the need to join a world of integrity and comittment to stated ideals.
(The same absolutely applies to the U S of A)
I am such a helpless dreamer...
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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mulegejim
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mulegemichael
i personally can't confirm the story, but i sure don't doubt it...we returned to mulege last saturday evening after being stateside for a few
weeks...parked our 4runner inside our compound as we always do...woke up the next morning to find the inside of it tossed and the battery
missing..also had a battery zapper stolen at the same time that was inside our shop...i know, my fault for not locking everything up...thing is, i
went to the city hall and cop shop and reported everything, did all the paperwork, etc......never had anyone from law enforcement stop by or contact
us...i've heard the story too many times.. |
Sounds like our "Usual Suspect" little friend - sooner or latter hopefully. Jim
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Hook
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Now, you begin to see why Calderon would love to put an end to all municipal police forces in Mexico................that is simply SOP.
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mulegemichael
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you're right, jim....the little guy lurks in the shadows...what a great neighbor he is!
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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woody with a view
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seems like there would be another guy who, for a fee, could "encourage" the little turd to change his predatory ways.
OR ELSE!
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monoloco
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
seems like there would be another guy who, for a fee, could "encourage" the little turd to change his predatory ways.
OR ELSE! |
If anybody finds that guy, PM me, I have work for him down this way.
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mcfez
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
seems like there would be another guy who, for a fee, could "encourage" the little turd to change his predatory ways.
OR ELSE! |
Well Woody...I was just thinking the same! I wouldnt take this crapola myself. Not trying to be a tough guy here...but...if there is some dude that
relentlessly keeps swiping stuff....I'd resolve the issue. Thieves are thieves in any country. Jack em up.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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bajajazz
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Location: La Paz, BCS, Mexico
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I had a stereo rack system (and a bunch of other stuff) stolen in La Paz. The burglar was drunk and was caught almost immediately. None of the
jewelry was ever returned and it took eleven trips to the Ministerio Publico including two appearances before a judge to retrieve the stereo. I had
to prove the stereo was mine before they'd release it and somehow I miraculously came up with the original sales receipt from Macys, which consisted
of brand names, serial numbers and dollar amounts. Not. Good. Enough. The original sales receipt had to be Officially translated by an Official
Translator before it was accepted. That it was absolutely insane to demand the translation of brand names, serial numbers and dollar amounts never
caused a single blush among the powers that be. When I complained about the absurdity of the process to that useless twit at the Consulate in Cabo
his response was, "Well, that's the way they do it."
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capt. mike
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why would anyone think the cops in mulege are not corrupt like the rest of the country? or are honest?
or give a crap about a bunch of expat tourists who come there to get out of crummy USA winters?
hahahaha.
cracks me up, man.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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mcfez
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| Quote: | Originally posted by capt. mike
why would anyone think the cops in mulege are not corrupt like the rest of the country? or are honest?
or give a crap about a bunch of expat tourists who come there to get out of crummy USA winters?
hahahaha.
cracks me up, man. |
In San Francisco....in the 80 - 90s....the cops (and Firemen) would come to my clubs and ask for a donation for the Policeman's Ball. I was told to do
it by friend of mine, a Lobbyist, otherwise these guys come back with bogus complaints about the club(s).
I didnt give in...and then the BS went on for a year......sure enough....
I donated there after each year. Never. Just freakin never...was ever visited again except for our annual fire inspections.
So......point of all this mumbo jumbo of my mouth.....is there a Policeman's Ball in your hood...or need one?
[Edited on 2-7-2011 by mcfez]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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sanquintinsince73
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With all of this talk about "depuracion" of the police forces in Baja, I still don't believe Baja will ever have a viable police force. Here's a vid
from Youtube showing a scumbag being interrogated prior to being taken to the station.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3haK-P-sQN8
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shari
Select Nomad
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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this is an inherent problem in the "justice" system here. It is soooooooo difficult to file reports, get stolen stuff back, plus the lack of
investigative skills makes it usually not worthwhile to even do it....so lots dont...which is what the theives are counting on and often they get away
with alot knowing they wont be prosecuted...sucks. But if we plod on and keep laying charges and making alot of noise at other levels perhaps things
will improve...so make sure you keep all your receipts for stuff. It may also help to have your "Mr.Gomez" on retainer...I cant tell you how valuable
it is to have a local go to guy who can convince the police you may not need to translate those receipts...in mexico....it's all about convincing the
other to do/or not do/sell something...they usually say no first.
But as alluded to here...contributing to the policemans ball...(which by the way IS an actual event every year that they ask for funds for) and
helping out the cops whenever possible, treating them to fresh fish or pie whatever...establishing a good relationship with them...perhaps
contributing gas money to keep an eye on your place...things like that can go a long way to making things easier in the event of a robbery....course
all that is probably only possible in a small village like ours.
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