Ask the U.S. Consul
by Lisa Vickers, Principal Officer

How not to be a victim of crime:
Helpful hinds for the expat and traveler alike

Recently, I ran across a book that sums up my travel motto in a nutshell:  Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals. Mentally, I have always added:  “…without having to visit my counterparts at the American Embassy.”  No matter where you are, no matter how conscientious you might be while traveling, there is always the chance that you might become a victim of crime.  We sincerely hope that you never need to avail yourself of the services offered at the Consulate—it really doesn’t hurt our feelings if you register with us and then we only see you when you have to renew your passport—but if you should have the misfortune to become a crime statistic, we are here to help you.     

Merida is one of the safest cities in Mexico, and the state of Yucatan in general is one of the safest states in the country.  Unfortunately, no matter how safe a place is overall, there is the possibility that you might become a victim, whether it is through being pick-pocketed, or having your house robbed, or being the victim of an assault.

If you should become a victim of crime, please remember that you are not alone.  Many victims feel scared, helpless and out of control, even after a relatively minor incident.  Those feelings are very common, and you have every right to feel that way.  No matter the hour, if you have been a victim of a crime, the Consulate is available to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  During the hours of 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, you can call the Consulate at 925-5011 and ask for American Citizens’ Services, or simply come to our office at Paseo de Montejo 453, across from the Fiesta Americana Hotel.  Outside of those hours, or on Mexican or American public holidays, you can call the afterhours cellphone at 044-999-947-2285.  We can help you replace documents, make phone calls to cancel credit cards, call relatives to request funds, accompany you to file a police report, or if you just need a Kleenex and a sympathetic ear, we can do that, too.  If you have been assaulted, we will accompany you to the hospital for medical treatment and assist you in making the appropriate reports.  We will do our best to help you however we can.

There are a number of things that you can do to minimize the possibility that you will be a victim of crime during your stay in Merida.  Some of those things are very simple and would apply whether you were traveling in Mexico or Michigan:

• Don't carry large amounts of cash
• Don't carry too many credit cards
• Carry photocopies (not the originals) of important documents, like your passport
• Be aware of your surroundings
• don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers

Above: Get to know your neighbors!

Here are some other hints.  They may seem elementary, but they always bear repeating.  For example, even if you don’t speak Spanish, try to get to know your neighbors.  Once they recognize you and your habits, they will be more inclined to notice anything unusual.  Be sure that the lock on your front door is sturdy, and don’t leave extra keys “hidden” in your yard.  Find out where your local police station is.  If you will be away for an extended period, make sure that someone is checking on your house periodically.

If you are staying in a hotel, make a point of chatting with the desk clerks or concierge.  Place valuables in the safety deposit box in your hotel.  When you are out and about, dress conservatively and wear a minimum of jewelry.   When out walking around Centro, make eye contact with those around you—pickpockets tend to target people who appear distracted.  When in bars, keep an eye on your drink, and don’t accept drinks from people you do not know or have just met.  If you are traveling alone, make sure that someone knows your travel plans in case of emergency—plan to call every few days and check in, or send regular e-mails.

If someone in uniform tries to collect a fine, or “multa” for some alleged wrongdoing, ask to see a badge, and look at it closely.  Ask to see their identification card, or “carnet,” and make a note of their name and badge number.  If approached by someone in street clothing claiming to be a police officer, ask to see a badge and a carnet—it is unusual for a police officer to be in plain clothes and working as a street cop.  Do not accompany them away from a well-trafficked area, even if they say they are taking you to a police station.  Ask that a marked police car come to the scene, and ask to call the American Consulate’s duty officer.  We will be happy to speak to the officer and determine what the problem is.   Never offer money to a police officer, especially when you have been legitimately stopped for an infraction.  Accept the written ticket, and pay the fine at the police station.  Please keep in mind that you are a guest in Mexico, and that the same laws that apply at home apply here, as well.

With a modicum of common sense and planning, you will have a marvelous holiday in beautiful Yucatan (or anywhere else, for that matter).  But should you have a bit of bad luck, remember that your Consulate is here to help.

For information on these and similar subjects, go to our Ask the Consul page.