P R 160002Z JAN 09
FM AMCONSUL NUEVO LAREDO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5089
AMEMBASSY MEXICO 
INFO AMCONSUL NUEVO LAREDO

UNCLAS NUEVO LAREDO 000014 
 
 
FOR DS/OSAC AND DS/IP/WHA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC CASC
SUBJECT: 2009 NUEVO LAREDO OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT 
 
REF: 08 STATE 168473 
 
 
¶1.      (U) Overall Crime and Safety Situation: 
 
¶A.      Crime Threats 
 
Despite Mexico's experience with significant increase in violent 
crimes due to the vicious war between rival drug cartels, Nuevo 
Laredo continues to show signs of improving the security 
situation.  The city has steadily continued to show a drop in 
violent crimes, thus reports of violent crimes against U.S. 
citizens have considerably decreased and reports of kidnappings 
have essentially ceased. 
 
Although violent crimes have decreased significantly, 
authorities are under no illusion that the narco-traffickers 
still retain tremendous influence in the city.  A renewal of 
past violence that paralyzed Nuevo Laredo two years ago could 
return instantly without notice if another narco gang attempted 
to contest control of this lucrative corridor, or if the efforts 
of Mexican authorities to combat the cartel's influence sharpens 
and discomfits the gangs. 
 
Therefore visitors are urged to remain vigilant during their 
stay.  Travelers should leave valuables and irreplaceable items 
in a safe place, or leave them at home since criminals select 
their victims based on perceived affluence and vulnerability. 
All visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes when 
available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer 
clothing, and carry only cash or credit cards that will be 
needed for each outing. 
 
Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, 
even when in areas generally considered safe.  U.S. citizens 
should be cautious in general when using ATMs in Mexico. 
Cloning/counterfeiting of ATM cards and credit cards occurs in 
Mexico, and travelers are advised to check their account 
activity online at least weekly to detect fraudulent charges 
early.  Visitors are also advised to avoid using bank machines 
in dark or isolated areas.  It is recommended that visitors 
traveling into Nuevo Laredo on day trips use ATMs in Laredo, TX. 
 
Visitors are most vulnerable to assault and robbery when 
visiting local "red light districts", particularly if they are 
departing alone in the early hours of the morning.  Use caution 
and common sense when visiting any foreign country. 
 
Transportation crime varies by category.  Official taxis in 
Nuevo Laredo are clean and safe.  It is recommended to negotiate 
the price before boarding since meters are not utilized.  City 
buses are generally safe although pickpockets will work the most 
crowded, busiest routes.  All highway travelers should avoid 
travel at night, use toll roads when possible and plan routes 
ahead of time and notify family and friends of itinerary. 
 
¶2.      (U)  Political Violence 
 
¶A.  Civil Unrest 
 
None 
 
¶B.      Demonstrations 
 
American interests in Nuevo Laredo are generally not targets of 
political violence.  Small peaceful demonstrations in protest of 
various U.S. policies occur on occasion; however, no violence 
has resulted. 
 
Avoid demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed 
political by the Mexican authorities.  The Mexican Constitution 
prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions 
may result in detention and/or deportation. 
 
¶C.      International Terrorism 
 
While there do not appear to be any Middle Eastern terrorist 
groups currently active in Mexico, lax immigration controls, the 
ease in which fake Mexican travel documents can be obtained and 
Mexico's geographic location make the country an attractive 
transit point for potential transnational terrorists. 
 
¶3.      (U)  Post-specific concerns 
 
The drug trade is a concern since violence among those involved 
in the trade can and does spillover into the community.  Police 
corruption has long been considered a major problem and such 
concerns continue through out the ranks.  Many Mexicans citizens 
have little regard for or trust in the police. 
 
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 the 
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 certainly are unable to resolve the 
situation.  In Nuevo Laredo, the police have had success in 
arresting numerous individuals implicated in the kidnappings of 
various Mexican and American citizens. 
 
A more common type of kidnapping is "express kidnapping" and is 
based on the 24-hour withdrawal limit placed on ATM cards 
industry-wide.  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. 
 
During the past few months, it has become increasingly common 
for extortionists to call prospective victims on the telephone, 
posing as kidnappers, and demand payments in return for the 
release of an abducted family member - usually a child.  Persons 
receiving such calls should be extremely skeptical.  Most 
demands or threats are baseless.  Persons receiving such calls 
should contact the local police immediately by dialing 066 or 
867-717-5959. 
 
¶4.      (U)  Police Response 
 
Reports of police corruption and police involvement in criminal 
activity continue to be a problem in Mexico. Consequently, 
citizens are often indifferent to police authority, adding to 
the sense of lawlessness in Nuevo Laredo. The general perception 
is that the majority of crime victims do not report crimes 
against them due to fear of reprisals by the police, the belief 
that police are corrupt, or the feeling that nothing would come 
from such reports.  Nuevo Laredo police are underpaid, poorly 
trained and corrupt. From police in league with 
narco-traffickers and/or organized crime elements down to the 
routine bribes paid daily by motorists, Mexican police enjoy 
little respect from the general population. 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. 
 
However, police support has been improving and is generally 
satisfactory for Americans who are victims of non-drug cartel 
related crimes.  To ensure this support, American citizens in 
need of assistance due to crime or medical emergencies may call 
the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo.  American citizens who are 
detained and harassed by police may also seek assistance at the 
Consulate. 
 
Travelers may contact the Consular section or the Regional 
Security Office at the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo 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 or 
867-717-5959. 
 
¶5.      (U)  Medical Emergencies 
 
¶A. Health Concerns 
 
Mexico has health concerns.  One should take normal tourist 
precautions with regard to drinking water, eating fresh fruits, 
vegetables and salads.  For more information, contact your 
health unit or the medical clearances section of the Offices of 
Medical Services. 
 
Health insurance is an important consideration.  Travelers are 
responsible to ensure that they have adequate health coverage 
while in Mexico. 
 
¶B. Other Health Information 
 
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 at 
 
Additional Health Information: 
 
CDC International Traveler's hotline - 24 hour info available at 
888-232-6348 or 800-232-4636 or . 
 
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. 
 
In a medical emergency in Nuevo Laredo, contact either of the 
following hospitals: 
 
Clinica de Especialidades 
Obregon 3256 
Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas 
Telephone: 867-714-0805 
 
Hospital San Jose 
Guerrero 3003 
Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas 
Telephone:  867-714-9506 
 
For Further Information: 
 
U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo 
Allende #3330 
Colonia Jardin 
Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas 
Telephone: 867-714-0512 
 
After hours, U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance from the 
consulate may call the duty officer at 867-727-2797. 
 
Regional Security Officer - Roberto Quiroga at U.S. cell: 
956-754-0193. 
 
¶6. (U) 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: 
 
7Cellular telephone with charger (although some areas between 
cities lack coverage); 
7An extra spare tire; 
7Portable gas can of gasoline with funnel; 
7Potable water; 
7Non-perishable food items; 
7First Aid kit; 
7Camping gear (sleeping bag, blanket, stove, etc); 
7Fire extinguisher; 
7Jumper cables; 
7Flares/reflectors; 
7Collapsible shovel; 
7Emergency 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; 
-Screw driver (regular and Phillips head); 
-Socket wrench set; 
-Pliers; 
-Wire; 
-Electrical tape. 
 
¶A. How to Avoid Becoming a Victim 
 
Protecting Your Vehicle 
 
Headlights and taillights: The headlights and taillights are 
held in place by easily accessible screws.  Install grilles 
around the lights, or simply tap out the heads of the screws 
holding the lights in place. 
 
Spare tire: If your tire is mounted on the outside of the 
vehicle, secure it in place with chain and padlock, or 
similar device.  If this is not possible, remove the spare tire 
and keep it at home, reinstalling it only for extended trips 
outside the city. 
 
Items inside the vehicle: 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.  Also, 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. 
 
Locking hubs: 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. 
 
Emblems: Should be secured with rivets. 
 
Parking: Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street.  Park inside 
a residential compound, or 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 shopping facility lot, 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 in the trunk, out of sight. 
 
Car Alarm: As previously mentioned, installation of a car alarm 
is a necessary precaution in deterring vehicle thefts and thefts 
of interior contents. 
 
Protecting Yourself 
 
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. 
 
Personal Security Practices 
 
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. 
 
¶B. Further Information 
 
Security Companies Operating in Mexico: 
There are numerous private security companies available in 
Mexico City and nationwide. The Regional Security Office (RSO) 
at U.S. Embassy Mexico City does not endorse any specific 
private security company, but provides the following list for 
information purposes only: 
7 ADT Security Services 
7 SEPSA 
7 Securitas 
7 Grupo Protec 
7 Intercon Security Services 
 
¶7.  (U) Other Relevant Information: 
 
Mexico country code: 52 
Nuevo Laredo area code: 867 
 
U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo 
Allende 3330 
Col. Jardin 
Nuevo Laredo 88260 
Telephone - 714-0512 
Regional Security Office 
0800-1700 M-F 
RSO can be contacted 24/7 by calling the 
Embassy Switchboard Operator - 55-5080-2000 
 
U.S. Embassy Mexico City 
Paseo de la Reforma, 305 
Mexico, D.F. 06500 
Telephone - 5080-2000 (24/7 switchboard operator) 
 
 
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