With all of the shocking news reports detailing violent crime in Tijuana over the past decade, many travelers have understandably gotten the idea that the city is too dangerous to visit. However, while it’s certainly true that crime rates in Tijuana are higher than in many other parts of Mexico, this doesn’t mean that the city is completely off-limits to travelers. There are still plenty of safe areas to visit, and with a little bit of care and caution, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a hassle-free trip to Tijuana. There are five things to be aware of when traveling to Tijuana:
1. The rise of gangs has been a cause for concern in recent years
If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ve probably seen some shocking stories about gang murders, kidnappings, shootouts, assassinations, and beheadings in Tijuana. It’s a tough city with a statistically high crime rate. Tourists are advised not to visit certain areas of the city due to the high levels of violence. If you do choose to visit, be sure to take extra care and precautions to stay safe.
The murder rate has increased dramatically in recent years due to a conflict between a newer gang, the Nueva Generación Jalisco, and the Sinaloa Cartel. The war is being fought over drug trafficking routes through the city and into the United States. This is a very important issue for both sides, and they are both fighting very hard to win control of these routes. Violence has increased because high-level traffickers have lost control over low-level street dealers. The drug lords can no longer count on the loyalty of their foot soldiers, who are now more likely to strike out on their own or align themselves with a rival organization. This power struggle has led to bloody turf wars in many cities across the country.
2. Tijuana Police
The police of Tijuana is still corrupt according to many. They have been known to stop people on the street and search them for an opportunity to charge a “fine.”This issue has improved in recent years, but it is still something that individuals need to be cautious of when visiting the city.
Tijuana police officers may stop you for various reasons, even if you have done nothing wrong. An officer may stop you without justification and fabricate a reason for doing so. They will typically inform you that you committed a severe crime and that you are in significant trouble. Of course, you can also get stopped legitimately if you committed a violation.
If the officer stopped you while you were driving, they would accuse you of committing a traffic violation. For example, they might say that you were speeding, ran a red light, or made an illegal turn. The police could tell you that you were driving without a seat belt or using your phone while driving. They could wait by your parked car and tell you that you parked illegally. Police officers may accuse you of a crime if they think you have committed one. They could also accuse you of a more serious offense if they have evidence that you have done something illegal. They may suspect that you are carrying an illegal substance in your car and search your car for it.
3. Being caught with drugs can lead to serious consequences, including jail time.
If you are strolling around in Tijuana, it is likely that somebody will attempt to scam you. These hustlers are normally people who have been deported from the United States because they committed a crime. After getting deported and dropped off in Tijuana, these guys who speak perfect English make their living running scams on tourists. They run scams that are pretty elaborate involving accomplices and possibly a police officer who is corrupt. Con men are most common in the north and central zones.
The scams start with a man approaching you and acting like they are your best friend. They will ask you about your trip and if you need help with anything. After talking for a bit, they may start telling you a sad story. Scammers will say anything to convince you to give them your money. They might pretend they need to buy medicine or that they were recently deported and need help. But everything they say is a lie.
Sometimes these criminals have an agreement with the police where they act as a type of informant. Criminals may try to take advantage of you by offering to sell you illegal drugs. However, after you purchase the drugs from them, they will turn you in to the police. At this point, the police apprehend you and levy a hefty fine or threaten you with imprisonment. After paying the bribe, the police pay the scammer a cut for turning you in. This is just one example of how criminals may try to exploit you; always be vigilant and beware of stranger dangers. You should never be overly friendly with anyone who approaches you on the street, and you should never purchase drugs in Tijuana.
4. Bad neighborhoods can be avoided by doing your research
In order to stay safe in Tijuana, it is best to avoid Camino Verde and Sanchez Taboada. These areas are known for crime and there is a higher risk of becoming a victim of theft or other crimes. It is also advisable to be extra cautious with your belongings in these areas.
If you stick to the areas that are popular with tourists, you will be fine. Get a map of the city and make yourself familiar with where these areas are. Just be careful not to wander too far from the well-traveled areas, or you may end up in a part of town that is less safe.
If you must go out at night, Avenida Revolucion is the safest bet. The street is patrolled by officers regularly, making it one of the more secure areas in Tijuana. Other safe areas include Calle Coahuila and Paseo de Los Heroes.
When you are out and about in Tijuana, stick to areas that are well-lit and busy. Do not display any expensive belongings. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe and only carry around the cash you’ll need for the day.
5. Things put in drinks at bars so you can be robbed
The act of adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s drink without their knowledge is called drink spiking. It is often done with the intention of sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, or simply as a way to harass the chosen victim. Young women are unfortunately the most frequent victims of this illegal activity. Most instances of drink spiking happen in nightclubs, bars, and parties. Drink spiking can cause dizziness, blackouts, poor coordination, and decreased inhibitions.
If someone’s drink is contaminated with alcohol or drugs without their knowledge, they may not realize it until the effects of the substance start to take hold. This can lead to a loss of consciousness or an inability to communicate properly. In either case, it can be dangerous for the individual as they are unable to consent to any further actions. In many cases of drink spiking, the victim does not realize anything is wrong until after the event has passed and they wake up feeling uncomfortable and without any memory. Most people who have their drinks spiked eventually lose consciousness, which typically happens within a few hours. A blackout can last up to 12 hours and is followed by memory loss.