Mexico 2008 Crime & Safety Report: Matamoros

From the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)

Mexico 2008 Crime & Safety Report: Matamoros

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Matamoros is located along the U.S.-Mexico border, sharing busy international bridges with Brownsville, Texas, and is only 50 miles from the Reynosa-McAllen border area. Matamoros and its surrounding areas have seen a spike in violent incidents over the past year associated with narcotics trafficking. Visitors traveling in these border areas have also been victims of armed robberies, sexual assaults, auto thefts, and kidnappings. Although there is no indication that U.S. citizens are being specifically targeted, they are frequent victims of such crimes. Drug-related violence has increased dramatically in the past year in the Matamoros-Reynosa region, and shows no sign of abating. While U.S. citizens not involved in criminal activities are generally not targeted, innocent bystanders are at risk from the increase in violence in the streets of border cities and nearby towns.

U.S. citizens are urged to be especially aware of safety and security concerns when visiting the border region, and to exercise common sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours.

Mexican authorities have failed to prosecute numerous crimes committed against American citizens, including murder and kidnapping. Local police suffer from a lack of funds and training, and the judicial system is overworked and inefficient. Criminals are armed with an impressive array of weapons and know there is little chance they will be caught and punished. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles, indicating some elements of the police may be involved.

Crime Threats

The overall crime and safety situation in Mexico varies widely depending upon location. Armed robberies, sexual assaults, auto thefts, and kidnappings have been reported in and around Matamoros, in some cases within close proximity to the U.S. Consulate. There is no evidence to indicate that criminals are specifically targeting U.S. citizens. Criminals select victims based on an appearance of vulnerability, prosperity or inattentiveness. While Mexico employs strict gun-control laws, thieves and robbers do not comply and are usually armed with knives or handguns. Roads and road conditions are below those of the U.S. Military and police checkpoints are common in and around Matamoros and Reynosa.

Political Violence

American interests in Matamoros are generally not targets of political violence. There are some small, peaceful, demonstrations have taken place in and around Matamoros. While there do not appear to be any Middle Eastern terrorist groups currently active in Mexico, lax immigration controls, the ease with which fake Mexican travel documents can be obtained and Mexico’s geographic location make the country an attractive transit point for potential transnational terrorists.

Post-Specific Concerns

Matamoros is located approximately thirty miles from the Gulf Coast. Hurricane watches and warnings for the area are common during the months of August-November.

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 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 are unable to resolve the situation. Express kidnappings are a common type of abduction and are based on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards industry-wide. The victim is generally held for 24 to 48 hours and is forced to withdraw funds from a series of ATMs. Official Americans have not suffered this type of crime in over a year, but, anecdotally, most Mexican employees of the embassy either have been victimized themselves or personally know a victim. 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.
Another kidnapping tactic used is the telephonic kidnapping threat, a.k.a. virtual kidnapping. Although the calls vary in style, the methodology is invariably the same. The virtual kidnapping call includes a crying/pleading voice immediately after the call is answered and before the “kidnapper” gets on the phone. In this manner, they hope to confuse the victim and get them to give away important information. For example, if the crying voice sounds like your child in any way, and you call out that child’s name, the caller now knows the name of the child that could potentially be a kidnap victim, and will use this knowledge against you.

This makes it difficult to identify and increase the likelihood that you will believe it is in fact your loved one. Criminals will try to use fear, tact and timing against possible victims. For example, they plan their calls to coincide with times when it will be difficult to contact the child or another adult immediately (e.g. when child is either on their way to or from school). Most of these calls demand money for the release of the loved one and stipulate no police involvement. Often times the callers will give statements to suggest surveillance such as: “we saw you at the school with your SUV.” This is vague but implies they have been watching your family and using fear and everyday routines against you to reinforce the threat of the kidnapping. One of the most important things for you to know are the details of your family’s travel and location (where are they supposed to be, who are they supposed to be with, etc.) . In addition, it is equally important that you ensure good communication (land-line and cell phone numbers) with your family members.

Cloning or counterfeiting of ATM cards and credit cards occurs in Mexico, and travelers are advised to check their account activity on-line at least weekly while in Mexico to detect fraudulent charges early. All ATMs are not the same, and travelers are encouraged to plan their cash needs in advance using only reputable ATMs in secure areas.

Here are some things that you can do to lessen the chances that you will become a victim of ATM or credit card fraud:

-Closely monitor anyone who handles your card. To protect against skimming, closely watch anyone that you give your card to for processing, such as a waiter, clerk, attendant, etc. If at all possible, do not let them out of your sight. If a clerk makes a hard copy, retrieve the carbons.
-Keep low-limit credit cards. Keeping a low limit on your credit cards restricts the amount of money that thieves can steal. Although not exactly a prevention tactic, it will help if you fall victim.
-Sign all credit cards. Sign all credit cards immediately upon your receipt of cards. You can also write ‘Check ID” so that the clerk will ask for ID for verification during a transaction.
-Cancel credit cards that you do not use. It is important to cancel all credit cards that you do not use and to monitor the ones that you do use.
-Be aware of your surroundings. The first step to prevent skimming is understanding what is going on around you. When at an ATM cover the key pad when entering your pin. Prior to inserting your ATM card, check the ATM card reader to make sure that it looks appropriate and is not
altered.
-Take your receipts. Do not leave receipts at ATM’s, teller windows, gasoline pumps, or with a clerk.
-Protect your PIN. Some people make it easy for criminals by writing the PIN to their Credit or ATM card on something that they keep in their wallet, or even worse, writing the PIN on back of the card itself. Commit the PIN to memory.

Drugs and Narco-terrorism

The increase in drug-related violence continues to be a concern for visitors traveling to Matamoros. Mexico is well known for its illegal drug trade and the violence and corruption the industry fosters. Mexico is the primary transhipment route for illegal drugs trafficked into the United States. Matamoros and the surrounding areas have been the scene of many violent and uncontrolled incidents in which innocent bystanders have been injured and killed. Mexican security forces and police have been unsuccessful in maintaining security in these cities along the U.S.-Mexican border.

Police Response

The majority of crime victims do not report crimes due to fear of reprisals by the police, the belief that police are corrupt, or the feeling that nothing would come from such reports. Matamoros police are widely considered to be underpaid, poorly trained and corrupt. 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.

Travelers may contact the Consular section or the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate 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. Reports of response time by police have been mixed, with some reporting that calls were not answered.

Medical Emergencies

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 or fax: (202) 647-3000.

CDC International Traveler’s hotline – (404) 332-4559, http://www.cdc.gov.

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.

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:

-Cellular telephone with charger (although some areas between cities lack coverage);
-An extra spare tire;
-Portable gas can of gasoline with funnel;
-Potable water;
-Non-perishable food items;
-First Aid kit;
-Camping gear (sleeping bag, blanket, stove, etc);
-Fire extinguisher;
-Jumper cables;
-Flares/reflectors;
-Collapsible shovel;

Emergency 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;
-Screwdriver (regular and Phillips head);
-Socket wrench set;
-Pliers;
-Wire;
-Electrical tape.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Install grills around headlights. If your tire is mounted on the outside of the vehicle, secure it in place with chain and padlock. If this is not possible, remove the spare tire and keep it at home, reinstalling it only for extended trips outside the city. 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. 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. 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. Car emblems should be secured with rivets.
Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. Try to park inside a residential compound, 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 in a lot of a shopping facility, 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 out of sight. As previously mentioned, installation of a car alarm is a necessary precaution in deterring vehicle thefts and thefts of interior contents.

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.

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.
Further Information

Mexico country code: 52
Matamoros area code: 868
U.S. Consulate Matamoros
Calle Primera 2002
Matamoros, Mexico
Telephone – 812-4402

Regional Security Office
815 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., M-F
RSO Duty Officer can be contacted 24/7 by calling the Consulate Switchboard Operator

CMI Hospital
Calle Sexta y Avenida Longoria #9
Matamoros, Mexico
Telephone – 811-0000

CEMQ Hospital
Calle Primera y Gonzalez y Morelos 1105
Matamoros, Mexico
Telephone – 813 -43 03/813 -4653/813-4191
Police Emergency 066 (new national number)

OSAC Matamoros Country Council

The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros is developing an OSAC Council specific to the Matamoros/Tamaulipas area. Please contact Michael Flynn at (52) (868) 812-4402 if you are interested in participating.

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