Robbery near Mazatlan
Mexico News Daily reported a robbery near Mazatlan. Any news to follow up this report?
Forum Discussion
Sheesh. Where there are Narcos, the cops do not venture, except in a convoy. I could if I wished "Have Lunch" in Apatzingan, Michoacan, but I don't. yes, it's a "tourist area" but that title was put on Apatzingan years ago. Things have changed. Sinaloa, is the top cartel/narco playground in Mexico. When I ventured off Mex 15-D only to become lost in the suburbs of Culiacan, a kindly motorcycle cop told me what I was doing was dangerous and he escorted me on a corkscrew route back to the freeway. I was seeking a traditional Mexican restaurant - in 1993, for comida.
So, even though I drive a "beater (on purpose)" and wear ordinary clothes, from Tepic to the border I stay in town rather than wander to some rural enclave. Mazatlan Centro, Sn Blas, is OK as well as centro Los Mochis and Obregon.
We have a town down here, La Union, Guerrero that is two miles off Mex 200, and it is pure bad news. A local advised us to get the hell out ASAP, even though there were five of us in two cars. Beto and Nano in the 2nd car were armed, but they had to arguments about leaving. Michoacan has not issued placas for carros importados for years and La Union was noted for getting "easy plates". Beto was the person who insisted on following Jesús and myself. Jesús remarked he would not ever return. The year was 2008. I am fortunate to have friends like that. I got my license, got hassled in Acapulco renewing it, then had to drive to Sn Marcos south of Acapulco. I found another Guerrero license office in Acapulco even though it takes 300 pesos under the counter to get my permiso.
Locally the chisme has me minding my own business, not being out really late, no venturing more than a Km or two up brechas looking for Guisache (firewood) and best of all a scrimp and save pensioner. Beto, at 6'7" has been an influence as well.
An "eyes and ears open" attitude is essential. Talk with the owner of an RV park, a couple of taxiistas, maybe the dueño of a fruteria, to get the gist on whether an area is safe or not. Even a local transito can have decent info about safety.
It's not paranoia. It's prudence. Like shopping in Watts or East Oakland. With common sense, it can be relatively safe.
But trolling a shiny new motor vehicle is just asking for it. If the thought of being seen in anything but a new high value vehicle angers a person, perhaps Mexico would be a poor choice.
So, even though I drive a "beater (on purpose)" and wear ordinary clothes, from Tepic to the border I stay in town rather than wander to some rural enclave. Mazatlan Centro, Sn Blas, is OK as well as centro Los Mochis and Obregon.
We have a town down here, La Union, Guerrero that is two miles off Mex 200, and it is pure bad news. A local advised us to get the hell out ASAP, even though there were five of us in two cars. Beto and Nano in the 2nd car were armed, but they had to arguments about leaving. Michoacan has not issued placas for carros importados for years and La Union was noted for getting "easy plates". Beto was the person who insisted on following Jesús and myself. Jesús remarked he would not ever return. The year was 2008. I am fortunate to have friends like that. I got my license, got hassled in Acapulco renewing it, then had to drive to Sn Marcos south of Acapulco. I found another Guerrero license office in Acapulco even though it takes 300 pesos under the counter to get my permiso.
Locally the chisme has me minding my own business, not being out really late, no venturing more than a Km or two up brechas looking for Guisache (firewood) and best of all a scrimp and save pensioner. Beto, at 6'7" has been an influence as well.
An "eyes and ears open" attitude is essential. Talk with the owner of an RV park, a couple of taxiistas, maybe the dueño of a fruteria, to get the gist on whether an area is safe or not. Even a local transito can have decent info about safety.
It's not paranoia. It's prudence. Like shopping in Watts or East Oakland. With common sense, it can be relatively safe.
But trolling a shiny new motor vehicle is just asking for it. If the thought of being seen in anything but a new high value vehicle angers a person, perhaps Mexico would be a poor choice.
