SAFETY TIPS
We receive safety tips from readers who feel they have something to share. Send us your ideas and we will publish them. We thank you for taking the time to send us a report so that others may be more watchful. Please email if you have suggestion to be posted on the Safety Tips page…

Bus Robbey(from Mexico DF to Queretaro) Tips compiled by someone experiencing a robbery on the Aeroplus bus from Mexico City to Querétaro.

Personal Security Tip —I went to grad school in NY and walked thru Spanish Harlem and Harlem getting to/from school. A couple of tricks I learned:

1- Every so often, I turn around 360 degrees to know what is around me. I do this as often as it feels like I should...like every couple of blocks or so.

2- If I think someone is following me, I cross the street. If they cross the street, then I cross back. You're telling the person you know they are there and they will either give away that they are following you by crossing again or they will back off.

3- Dress down. Don't walk like I'm fragile or vulnerable.

4- Look directly at anyone I'm suspicious about. Make it obvious. They now know you know they are there. I usually stop to do this and might even let them pass by me if I'm standing in a light or there are people around at that time.

Securing your house by a concerned citizen

• • Valuables: passport, jewelry, money.. .put all in one place that is almost impossible to get to...
  
  
• • Keep an eye on construction workers nearby, working on a house near you and maids, gardnener, garbage collectors, delivery people collectors carry information.
  
  • Do not trust anyone at all, even if they've been working for you for years. The Santorini man may not be the Santorini man; the maid may inadvertently say something that's overheard by prying ears.
  
  
• • Before hiring someone, check references.
  
  
• • Electric fences can help.
  
  
• • Security systems , alarm systems are a good idea.
  
  
• • Remember faces. Do not allow relatives of workers into house.
  
  
• • If you have dogs, do not ignore barking. They're barking for a reason.
  
  
• • Do not allow police into house. If they ARE in the house, accompany them at all times.
  
  • Secure & entrances. Think like a thief. Lock your house.
  
  • Ironwork: invest in good, heavy and secure ironwork.
  
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  • Combination locks instead of keys are a good idea, IF you can remember the combo.
  
  
• •  Advise a trusted neighbor if you leave.
  
  
• • Hire a professional to go though the house to see if you've overlooked something.
  
  
• • Get involved! Colonias are supposed to have monthly meetings. Or investigate to see if there is a neighborhood watch in your area.

Hot Topics and readers stories from Lake Chapala!
We strongly recommend that you investigate the Lago Chapala Crimewatch website. They have been very helpful to us in forming our website and we can learn from their experiences with security. Below is a sampling of recommendations from Lake Chapala. We will include comments from our own area when they have been compiled.

What if your car was stolen? Are you prepared? Read this interesting blog about one person’s experience.

Car Breakins: What is in your car? Hiding a wallet under the seat doesn't always work

What's a Mustard Bandit? If you don't know read this otherwise you could find out much too quickly.

Extortion Calls? Real or Not: Click here to get advice from Guadalajara.

Holiday Theft Should I have been more vigilant during the holidays? Click here to read one person's story!