Mexico City is no different from large cities across the world. Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit all have higher crime rates than smaller cities. There are areas in all big cities that are known to be notorious for crime and areas of these cities that are considered safer. What you can do to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones is to follow the basic rules of personal safety.
You might have heard about living in the ´Big Bubble´ of Mexico City. This ´Big Bubble´ includes the ex-pat zones of Polanco, Santa Fe, and Condesa. This “bubble,” implies it is relatively crime-free compared to other parts of the city and country.
This talk of a “bubble” is an illusion. There is no security “bubble” in Mexico City or anywhere else in Mexico. Mexico City is rated critical for crime and should be treated as such. Police patrol is definitely more visual in these ex-pat zones, however, as a foreigner or ex-pats, we must not let our guard down with the illusion that these areas are crime free.
Armed robberies, assassinations, theft, burglaries, and other crimes can take place in the areas we live, work, and go to school. We need to be aware of this fact and be prepared to respond appropriately should we be faced with a dangerous situation.
Like any big city, crime can occur on every street of Polanco, Santa Fe, and the various Lomas’s we frequent. What you can do is focus on the things we have control over and be prepared to ensure our family members are practicing daily personal safety. Things we have control over are our habits, our routines,
Here is an extensive list of dos and don’ts for your consideration.
DO
- Install security cameras at your home, and car
- Check your embassy for a list of zones considered trusted and approved locations to live
- Choose homes with security front desks or that is not secluded or in a known crime area
- Consider using apps that can track your location and the location of your devices
- Sanitize your wallets and purses – only carry what you absolutely need
- Be unpredictable
- Maintain a low profile; blend in
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Advise a trusted person of your travel plan
- Avoid large gatherings of people in Mexico City
- Be wary of theft on public transportation or in public in general
- Keep wallets and valuables in your front pockets
- Keep purses and coats in front of you at restaurants
- Use credit and ATM cards with caution – withdrawing money from a Bank´s ATM or Cashier is preferred
- Check bank statements frequently
- Travel in pairs or groups
- Be wary of a carjacking at intersections – lock doors and keep windows up
DON’T
- Do not attract unwanted attention by displaying signs of affluence – wearing flashy watches or jewelry (even if not valuable)
- Do not participate in political rallies or protests
- If you are being robbed, do not resist unless permanent bodily harm is imminent
- Do not let the salesperson take your credit card out of sight
- Do NOT use Libre taxis. It is prohibited by several Embassies
- Do not be complacent; avoid traveling alone; avoid isolated areas
- Do not disclose travel plans on social media
Daily Security Habits and Practices
- Do you vary your times and routes to and from work?
- Do you keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle)?
- Do you check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle? Look for things that are irregular or abnormal.
- Do you maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to yourself?
- Are you alert to what is going on around you?
- Are your colleagues and family aware of your daily plans and do they know how to reach you?
- Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable. Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver. Always leave yourself an exit. Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.
- Avoid choke points in travel. Be wary of diversions.
- If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facilities to call the Police. Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.
- Whenever possible, do not have a set day for shopping, errands, and personal needs. Be unpredictable.
- Never give out your personal information such as family member and household staff names, addresses, and telephone numbers in an open setting.
- Ensure all of your family members are briefed on security measures.
Use these tips to make a personal plan for you and your family. Teach your kids to be vigilant at all times. Set up routines and habits that follow the guidelines above. Be Safe and start living your best experiences in Mexico.
