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gnukid
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kidnapping attempt at Soriana La Paz
This was reported on TV Azteca Sunday
A norte americano shopper was lured toward a vehicle with the idea of purchasing clothes at discounted prices, while near the vehicle a attmpeted
kidnapping occurred but the potential victim was able to free themselves and report it to the vigelancia and police.
I don't know of any reports in the paper but I'll look.
Don't engage anyone iyou don't know n the parking lot or inside, if someone calls out to you that you don't know ignore them and keep moving to the
store security. Inside the store there also "large families" using the old scam of surrounding you and holding a baby out and trying to engage you
while they try to grab your wallet. It happened to me unfortunately.
So fun down here.
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fdt
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Posts: 4059
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Location: Tijuana, Baja California
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This is now an urban legend of Baja California Sur, I have received this info several times, here is an email from October, were the same thing is
said to be happening at major parking lots like Bancomer, Soriana, Home Depot, etc., this is an italian guy selling Armani suits :
Subject: FW: en baja california hay peligro leanlo por favor es importante>>date: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:40:10
-0600>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Les mando información de varios correos sobre personas
que han tenido el>>mismo evento en comun... solo tengan cuidado>>SALU2>>>>Samuel Jafhet León Martínez>>P u b l ic i d a
d Cel, 612 12 7 04 52 A quien:>>corresponda:>>>>Mi nombre es Oscar Cabrera, soy publicista del periódico El
Sudcaliforniano>>en La Paz, Baja California Sur y les adjunto estos correos para que tengan>>conocimiento de estos posibles
hechos.>>Además, particularmente a mi me paso lo siguiente:>>Al llegar al estacionamiento de Bancomer un Jetta blanco se paro atrás
de>>mi carro y un hombre de 30 años mas o menos, blanco, pelo negro con cara>>triangular y hablando medio español y medio italiano,
diciendo que era>>italiano y que se habia quedado sin dinero despues de hacer un desfile de>>modas en Costa Baja y se queria regresar a su
país, me ofreció ropa de la>>marca Armani (trajes, sacos, chamarras) a un precio de $15,000.00.>>Me invito a subir a su carro para
mostrarme la ropa pero al modo>>desconfiando desde afuera del carro la vi y como no me interesó se enojo y>>como dicen en alguno de
los>>correos adjuntos, ni siquiera dijo gracias y ni se despidio.>>Espero puedan investigar algo al respecto.>>>>Por su
atención gracias.>>>>Oscar Cabrera>>>>--------------------------->>3
correos>>>>>>>>>>>>>>PRIMERO>>El Primero fue de un Amigo llamado Bethoven no anexo el mail que el
mando>>por que lo lei pero no le di mucha importancia, pero decia mas o menos asi>>Al parecer irrumperon en su casa y secuestraron a su
hermano 2 tipos en una>>camioneta sin placas y polarizada lo golpearon y despues de horas lo>>regresaron claro antes robando su dinero, le
pedire me re-envie ese mail>>para hacercelos llegar.>>>>>>SEGUNDO>>Amigos hace 15 dias regresando de la Paz
a>>Cabo me detuve por gasolina en la>>gas que esta cerca de Marina de la paz y en eso llego un carro marca VW>>Bora>>y se me
quedo viendo un guey y como a mi no me gusta que me miren me le>>quede mirando con cara de que me ves guey, pero el me sonrio y me
pregunto>>si hablaba italiano y le dije que no, entonces llego un Jetta blanco ,>>tambien el Bora era blanco y los 2 con placas de renta
entonces se>>saludaron>>cruzaron palabras en italiano( cabe mencionar que los 2 venian bien>>vestidos>>y el guey me dijo que
era Modelo por lo cual mas mal me cayo, incluso el>>que>>venia llegando traia corbata, en fin este guey se me acerca y me dice
que>>venia de una exhibicion y presentacion de Armani y que le habian sobrado>>unas prendas y que si no me interesaban, le conteste que la
verdad no y me>>dijo que me bajara por que las traia en su cajuela, pero como yo soy bien>>>>desconfiado y mas con ese tipo de cosas
no me baje, entonces el guey>>haciendo muecas se fue hacia su carro y bajo 3 piezas, eran 2 sueteres y un>>traje venian en bolsa de Armani
y la verdad estaban bonitos, pero le dije>>al>>que no me interesaba pór que con el maldito calor quien se quiere poner un>>traje,
por cierto el guey ya habia subido las cosas en mi carro del lado>>del>>copiloto , pero nunca le abri la puerta, todo fue por la
ventana,>>finalmente>>el guey ya medio molesto se fue sin decir gracias ni nada y se me quedo>>viendo con cara de pocos amigos ( y
yo dentro de mi me dije, mejor ni la>>hagas de jamon Muchacho Galan Wanna be, en ese momento me percate que habia>>otro jetta esperandolos
pero del otro lado de la calle, en fin ya no le>>puse>>mucha atencion y agarre camino hacia Cabo y me di cuenta antes de llegar
a>>Todos Santos que>>los 3 carros venian atras de mi, y pense: ahi vienen otra>>vez los modelitos!!! en cuanto entre a a TS y como
me venia muriendo de>>hambre me pare a comer un taco en Los barajas y los vi pasar manejando>>rapidisimo como echando carreritas, en
cuanto llegue a Cabo le conte a mi>>novia Amber y le dije que se me hacia muy raro la actitud de estos gueyes y>>que me habian dado muy
mala espina, ahorita me llamo ella de Cabo y me dice>>que a una amiga de su hermana le quisieron hacer lo mismo y a alguien
mas>>si>>la secuestraron y robaron, y ahora me llega este mail que ahora les reenvio>>a todos. Ya reporte esto con las autoridades
de la paz y lo voy a hacer>>en>>Cabo tambien, espero que ustedes reenviando este mail me pueden y se pueden>>ayudar. Gracias Seth
Vazquez>>>>>>>>TERCERO>>AGUAS.. CON ESTA GENTE. este correo me lo paso una>>amiga que trabaja en el Pueblo Bonito.
Mas vale>>prevenir... AGUAS!!!>>>>Esto le paso en el Home Depot de CABO...!!!>>>>Chicas!....el martes me platico mi
hermana (Alicia,>>algunas la conocen) que en el estacionamiento del>>Home Depot se le acerco una persona (un italiano)>>cuando ella
iba subiendose a su carro, le dijo que>>no hablaba bien español, era modelo en italia, que>>andaba vendiendo ropa armani porque se
queria>>regresar a su pais y le dijo un cuento chino de>>familia enferma etc...y que si queria ver la>>ropa,>>que la tenia en
su carro...pero mi hermana le dijo>>que no. El caso es que anoche platicando mi hermana>>con unas amigas, ellas le comentaron que ya
andan>>los secuestros expres aqui en Cabo! y que una de las>>bandas trae muchachos bien parecidos usando ese>>gancho de la venta de
ropa de marca!!....ofrecen>>mostrar la ropa y cuando las mujeres se acercan a>>sus carros las forzan a entrar y se
las>>llevan....tengan mucho cuidado con las personas se>>que se les acercan muchachas....y comentenlo con
sus>>amigas/conocidas....hay que protegernos lo mas que>>podamos...!!>>>>Saludos!>>>>Enviado por Robin hermana de
Ambar>>>>Por favor y por el bien de todos distriyan esta informacion y>>quien este en>>cpacidad de hacer algo
hagalo.>>>>>>Gracias>>>>>>
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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toneart
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The highlights of all my experiences in Mexico have been my interaction with the people. Mostly all were positive. It really takes the fun out of it
for me if I cannot continue these activities. Even though there have always been crimes of opportunity, it seems that the times have escalated them. I
think drugs play a big role in the frequency, intensity and often violence that is happening now.
Gnu Kid's advice regarding parking lots should be incorporated into our vigilance.
I practice awareness, try to use common sense and make quick reality checks using my intuition. Then, when peril is not evident, I can trust....and
the rewards are immense. 
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gnukid
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FDT I am sure you are right these are urban legends, only that they are true legends. I have personal experience. La Paz is full of robbers at Soriana
and everywhere. When you let your guard down and are having fun and you look like a target, e.g. gringo with loaded trucks, you will get hit at
soriana and around town. I lived next to Soriana for a long time and I saw it every day. The vigilante calls in the robbers who are assisted by cops,
like well oiled machine.
these aren't tough guy robbers, they are old people and young people, all types of teams looking for some money since they have none and no job.
When I got taken out by a family there, it was the grandfather who actually just grabbed my wallet from me with the entire family pressing against me.
It didn't help that I witnessed the crime or that security was near and I was in the teller line, he didn't even have to run it was impossible to get
my wallet back from the family once they had it. Thankfully it was simple I called and canceled my atm cards immediately and the staff was nice and
gave me many discounts for the next year which made up for the loss and made me feel guilty for indulging their kindness.
Another time I found my car boxed in by a super old trashed vehicle and two old people inside began to yell rapier rapier, rape I guess, they said I
crashed into them and tried to rape the wife, all while I was in Soriana for a quick stop for a birthday cake for myself. Haha what fun that was with
the accompanying police and many M16 guns at my head and chest and the threats they would burn me and no one would know haha and being handcuffed
taken to jail and finally when I never folded and said you will lose and never gave in they set me free, estas libre senior. Hahaha sure was funny
when my girlfriend never believed my excuse for being gone for more than a hour. hahaha the fun wont stop. wahoooo
Just watch out, if you are in La Paz its crazy now and the municipal police have no intention of helping out as they are involved in most crimes as
well. They come to my house to sell me stolen goods once a week and I always say no, then they say "pues entonces presta me cinquenta y voy a dar te
el dinero la semana proxima", hahaha. Just so you know, I have night vision cameras and recording devices, my new show "chicos malitos" should be
coming out soon.
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
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The Mexican hand signal for "no thanks" works well when approched by people soliciting unwanted services, etc..
Pretty much just hold up your hand like you are going to swat at a fly backhanded and walk away.
Some people have a hard time figuring out when they are about to enter a bad situation. Sometimes it just springs up on you. The best thing to do
is just to remove yourself from it; even if you have to walk away from your car, etc, and come back later. Go find a person of authority, store
owner, worker, traffic cop, etc..
Throughout years of traveling all over Mexico I have only had people try to pick my pocket twice. I felt their hand trying to grab my wallet, or in
my pocket. Both times I turned at them, gave them a mean stare, and made a fist as if I was about to break their face. They said nothing and walked
away quickly. I've had people try to con me or swindle me numerous times.
It happens to tourists all over the world, not just Mexico. Just being aware and willing to use your right to personal defense if needed will send
the vibe to 99% of thieves and thugs. Just don't be easy pickings. Act like you know what you are doing even if you don't, keep your head out of the
clouds, and pay attention to your surroundings.
I met a British traveler that spent much time in India. He told me about the "5 levels of No" needed to keep beggars, peddlers, pick-pockets, con-men
at bay...
1. No thank you.
2. No
3. No!
4. No!, I said No! Leave me alone!
5. NO!!!! ,and if I have to say it again I will kick your a**!
He told me he has never had to goto level 6. I have only made it to level 4 a few times and level 5 once.
[Edited on 11-12-2007 by Mango]
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18051
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by gnukid
...
Just so you know, I have night vision cameras and recording devices, my new show "chicos malitos" should be coming out soon.
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gnukid,
you're funny. you always got the looniest stories. and you seem to attract trouble like i attract dingo dog lovers and neocons.
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
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Thanks, uh I guess... I think it might be difficult for people outside of La Paz to understand what its like, for real. There is nothing so pleasant
as not not understanding what's happening around you, the beautiful girl that you don't understand, a pleasant interaction with neighbors, all the
nuances of various dialects throughout Baja. But after some time, you get to know the truth and its a little unpleasant at times and scary but it
certainly is Baja. Disfruitarla por que ella va a cambiar rapidio para algo peora. sniff. Pero si, mi vida no esta super mal, las ninas de la
preportoria llegan mi casa para saludarme, Que bueno mas problemos voy a encuentrar. Hoy tenemos viento para velar.
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
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Gnukid
I have lived in La Paz for 13 years, and shop Soriana all the time, along with CCC, and all around town, I just do not understand your posts, they
certainly are not from the La Paz I know. I have never been robbed, pickpocked, and only 1 ticket that I deserved.
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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fdt
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Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
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Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
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Oh my gosh comitan, you probably don't believe in El Mechudo either 
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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bajaretreat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 37
Registered: 11-6-2007
Location: Chippewa Falls, WI/La Paz eventually
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Legend of El Mechudo
For those who will need to look it up...here's a shortcut...
http://math.ucr.edu/ftm/bajaPages/Tales/Mechudo.html
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bajalera
Super Nomad
Posts: 1875
Registered: 10-15-2003
Location: Santa Maria CA
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I believe the Mechudo legend, of course. But I'm still looking for one of those giant clams.
\"Very few things happen at the right time, and the rest never happen at all. The conscientious historian will correct these defects.\" -
Mark Twain
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fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
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Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
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I think you would find the Coromuel treasure before a giant pearl from the hand of El Mechudo.
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
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I know that its probably necessary to blame the messenger or the victim to increase ones sense of security. I totally understand. I also respect your
needs for your own feelings about where you live. I love my neighborhood and my friends. When I report to you what is in the news today on TV Azteca
and my personal experience, its only to share my own sense of uncertainty and fear. The policia ministerial were in my neighborhood tonight to ask for
witnesses to a crime, a common robber has accosted almost everyone here in el manglito. And of many witnesses there were a few who would actually
testify. Los testigos son viejitos sin miedo de jovenes malitos. Do you hear me, comitan, they would testify that they saw the robber "el chino"
robbing the houses of each neighbor when they left. They were willing to testify while in fear to support each other. It's not easy to do, not at all.
It takes courage to speak up and those who do experience great fear but its possible things will improve with the cooperation of the neighborhood to
put pressure on corruption.
I am sorry if the reports bother you. They bother me a lot. I am writing in part because not only it is my experience and that of others, but I
believe the narrative is worthy of publication since it isn't reported elsewhere, we are trying to work together to clean up even one robber with
basic techniques, we report, we gather evidence, we agree to testify and hopefully we will rid the town of even one robber.
If any of you don't support that, I totally understand, but please dont let your own fears act as fodder for discouraging those brave people of la paz
who are fighting the fight against corruption and criminals.
I agree there is fun to be had on the ocean and with friends and I appreciate that greatly. Tonight we recorded songs with many young singers in my
neighborhood for a disc we hope to to sell, but at the same time we are fighting to feel secure and any action we take makes us feel better.
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JESSE
Ultra Nomad
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Me and my Chef have been shopping daily at Soriana and City club for 1 year, and i have never seen or heard anything bad going on. This is an urban
leyend, nothing more.
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Cervisin
Nomad
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Registered: 8-13-2007
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Mood: Mañana... quizá
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| Quote: | Originally posted by comitan
Gnukid
I have lived in La Paz for 13 years, and shop Soriana all the time, along with CCC, and all around town, I just do not understand your posts, they
certainly are not from the La Paz I know. I have never been robbed, pickpocked, and only 1 ticket that I deserved. |
I got to second Comitan. 7 1/2 y. Baja - 6 y. in La Paz and got one truck battery stolen and that was 80% my fault.
I got #%&*@ed royal in CSL without be kissed first several times so I watch only out when I have to go there, count my fingers after I shake hands
and keep in mind what a old bajaexpert told me: Cabo, a sunny place for lot's of shady people. How right he was. And 80% of the crooks been not
Mexican. Unfortunately I observe that type of people starts now to migrate also to La Paz......  I guess thats part of the developments..... roflmao
Hey all, 6:37 am...... the Baja 1000 just started....
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BMG
Super Nomad
Posts: 1776
Registered: 6-10-2007
Location: La Paz / Bahia Asunci�n / Away from home
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| Quote: | Originally posted by gnukid
The policia ministerial were in my neighborhood tonight to ask for witnesses to a crime, a common robber has accosted almost everyone here in el
manglito. And of many witnesses there were a few who would actually testify. Los testigos son viejitos sin miedo de jovenes malitos. Do you hear me,
comitan, they would testify that they saw the robber "el chino" robbing the houses of each neighbor when they left. They were willing to testify while
in fear to support each other. It's not easy to do, not at all. It takes courage to speak up and those who do experience great fear but its possible
things will improve with the cooperation of the neighborhood to put pressure on corruption. |
What happened with 'El Chino'? Is he still on the streets in your neighborhood?
I think the world is run by C- students.
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Iflyfish
Ultra Nomad
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Gnukid and I had a long dialogue about an article he posted on a major drug bust in Baja. He was optomistic about this, me, not so.... My point is
that not all that Gnukid has posted has not been negative or alarmist. It is possible that he lives in a bad neighborhood, as opposed to Comitan who
lives in a very nice home in a very safe neighborhood. He may be closer to the action than others who have posted.
It is always wise to exercise caution while traveling and to be informed of scams or dangerous places or activities. I would not want people to be
discouraged from sharing their experiences or observations.
I too shopped at Soriana without molestation, however this does not discount that there are scam artists working there.
In our three months in the Baja last winter we encountered no mordida or criminal activity directed at us, this does not however discount the fact
that criminal activity exists or that we should at all times be vigilant against it.
Iflyfish
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
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Well, we are trying to come together in our neighborhood, it is a very nice neighborhood with a few bad people. We have put demandas in place for "el
chino" the main robber and we have submitted reports to the ministerial municipal, the testigos are adding up. But it is my impression that the the
ministerial police are not going to do anything and apparently they are protecting him, for some reason. Last night the police came to ask who would
testifiy against "chino", because they are required to do so after so many demandas and the anunscio or report. They were clearly drunk but I didn't
hold that against them. I didn't want to put any pressure on anyone or even pay too much attention. But I pointed the police to the homes of people
who said they would testify. Some time later the police came back and said they would not testify. I said, si claro, I am sure they will they are
waiting for you, lets go back and when we went back each person was pleased to testify at length and in detail that they saw "chino" in broad daylight
on specific dates naming the items etc... robbing the neighbors when they leave. So the police were forced to take their reports and names,
reluctantly, in a black book they scrawled a few scribbled sentences, which was clearly difficult for them. Even writing someones name was seemingly
impossible, v or b? y or j, otro ves, is that your name ok what's your nickname? Then, what's your parents name to a man of 75? The police said, well
then can you come to the ministerial tomorrow another time to make another report to man in a wheel chair which they agreed to do? Afterwards they
walked outside and at the moment "chino" drove by to his house, (in a new car odd for guy with no job or even doors or windows) and everyone said
there he is please take a statement. But the police said oh we can't enter his house. And we replied but he is outside and right here. The police said
well lets wait to another day. So you can see, the policia ministerial are reluctant to go after a known criminal, meaning after being a part of many
communities I can see it is difficult to take the most basic action like we normally would in the states. There is no process. I would add that they
hinted that if I give them 1000 pesos they might be willing to talk to him and they could sell me some things back maybe, but I brushed that off and
said I don't have any money. That the thing is the neighbors need protection from "Chino' not stuff.
So, all in all, these efforts seem to have little effect except to put subtile pressure on the bad people, which in the end might be significant. The
entire neighborhood signed a document asking the city to remove "Chino", many people have placed "demandas" on him and there are officially reported
crimes and witnesses but none of that will cause the police to take him in or make him leave the land he squats in our neighborhood.
Obviously this is all a bit boring to most of you I am sure. I, too, am more interested in the peace and quiet, the wind speed, fishing and whats
working, going camping and off roading today to participate in the baja mil and living my life in mexico, enjoying myself. These reports are not to
discourage any of you from enjoying yourself, only to remind myself of the history, and encourage you to be vigilant and aware, stand up for yourself
and never give in to demands to pay for nothing or to submit to crimes.
I, too, was someone who had experienced very little crime in my life, though I am very aware and observant perhaps that why I am shocked when I see
the same robbers be they police, drug addicts or even gas station attendants who try the same scam over and over every day, perhaps thats why I am
reporting to you that life can be surprising and frustrating. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't go outside or you shouldn't engage people. Only that
you should be aware, keep your valuables stored away where they are difficult to find and never show any fear when you are engaged by bad people
because bad people will always back down.
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
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It's good to see you working to get something done about, "el Chino" It can be tough especially when in a forgien country to get things done leagaly,
when the laws and procedures are different and often inadequate.
It is good to form a "neighborhood watch" and group with your community for the common good. Mi novias 95 year old grandfather was beaten and robbed
on the street near DF a few years back. The police didn't catch the guy; but, a week later about 30 guys from the neighborhood did when he tried to
rob another elderly person.
Unfortunately the police showed up in time to save the crook from the mob; but, not before he was beaten very badly. Now the crook has about 58 more
years left in prison to nurse his wounds. 
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
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Today, the police arrived en masse and with everyones help they chased him down, I believe he got away I think for the moment hiding inside his
mothers home but at least he is on the run. At the same time two full size mercedes unimogs -german tourists pulled on from one end of the block and
the police on the other, sorta like keystone cops, at least the neighbors believe it was the military. hahaha It made big impression and I have big
faith in the police and neighbors for working together. We just need to be a little more aggressive about the part where we catch the guy.
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