30 replies to this topic

[TrueBrit]

We will be visiting Ajijic in a couple of weeks and have been very concerned about the situation on the north shore. This will be our third visit in a year and each time our US friends think we are crazy spending any time at all in Mexico (we are hoping to move here in fall). And we have usually blown them off citing scare-mongering by US news and the blanket branding of the entire country when problems seem to be isolated in certain areas. We have never felt particularly unsafe or threatened armed with nothing more than traveler's common sense. However, reading the Chapala Crime Watch website, the Guad Reporter and some posts here, we are beginning to worry that the apparent increase in violence is a true and growing problem, perhaps threatening the tranquility of the area and the quality of life that many people have enjoyed for such a long time. But then I see the "regular" posts asking for advice for regular things or "normal" announcements. We cannot decide if these people are in denial, or whether the concerned citizenry are being a little paranoid. No doubt the answer lies somewhere in the middle, but how can we (in the US) find out what is really happening in Ajijic?

[Animalover]

you will know what is really happening here.....just coming to live here, just start with a renting a place, and then you will feel if you want to live here or in other place. You know, the bad news is part true, but part is just paranoids. I live here, I never have seen or heard anything scaring....Thanks Lord.

[myblueheron]

Let me begin by saying I am not in denial. I moved to Ajijic about 10 months ago and, for me, it was a good decision. My life here is full and happy! Yes, crime has increased during that time but it has not put a damper on my desire to continue living here. I love my friends and the climate is fabulous. I rent and therefore have the option to pack up and leave at any time. As a single woman, I tend to go out and socialize during the daytime hours and try to be home around dark. Actually, I did the same when I lived NOB. I try to dress and act in ways that do not draw attention as I go about my daily life. I rarely carry a purse and keep jewelry to a minimum. Some of the recent crimes have happened during the daytime hours but, if something were to happen to me, I would just see it as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That would apply no matter where I was living. Best of luck to you in your decision making.

[Puddles]

Sorry, but these questions are asked on a regular basis. I would say ask if anyone has actually left the area, and let them explain why.

[TrueBrit]

I have seen these questions before, but I was referring to the situation over the last couple of weeks, which appears to be exceptional. Both times that I have visited Ajijic, I have found it to be warm and friendly - both from locals and expats. LCS is an incredible community resource. I like the importance given to public art. The weather, the festivals, the wonderful chaos - it has all added up to a great experience. And I am sure I have asked a question that has no simple answer. I hear stories from both ends of the spectrum - but very little in-between. And I know perception often wins out over facts. I never expected Ajijic to be a paradise, but if it was perceived as being close, that was good enough for me.

[HelperGuy]

My home town in Canada has far more crime than lakeside. It just doesn't get reported the same way. So far, the gang violence here has been pretty much between either the gangs themselves, or the gangs and authorities.

We worry that there is too much of this these days, yes, but I don't feel threatened or scared, any more I suppose than my Mexican friends, who certainly aren't about to pull up and leave. I just go about my business, as most people do. I don't look over my shoulder, not out of some kind of bravado, but because I feel comfortable here.

[CCC]

I don't feel any differently than I did a year ago here. I find the US media to be a joke and largely fear mongering but you have to make up your own mind what you are comfortable with.

[Mainecoons]

I think the situation over the last few months is exceptional. Equally exceptional is how well the local people and the police have responded to it. I don't feel like things are out of control at all, quite the contrary. The Jalisco government seems to be placing a high priority on the safety of this area.

My perspective comes from having lived in an urban U.S. environment where street crime is a daily experience, including killings, and you learn how to limit your exposure. And when things get restless, you take extra steps. For example, right now I would plan on being home by dark and I'd pay closer attention to the security of my property. I'd be very careful about carrying too much money or leaving anything of value in a car. There are certain neighborhoods that most full timers know about that are better avoided by expats.

None of this is anything different than when I lived in that NOB urban area.

Frankly, I expect the incoming government to quietly call off this unsuccessful war on drugs in return for domestic peace. That is purely an opinion on my part gained from talkiing with a number of Mexicans. We all could be wrong about that.

This country is improving in many ways, Roads are getting better by the year, progress is being made on environmental issues, people are finding jobs and living better. There's a reason those Mexicans are returning from the U.S. and it isn't just the economy there. I'm optimistic about Mexico, moreso than about the U.S. with its crushing debts and out of control spending. Mexico, it turns out, is one of the most fiscally sound countries in the world. They seem to have taken to heart the fiscal lessons of the nineties.

We love it here and have no intention of going back. We're probably going to go for citizenship when we can.

[Whitey]

We love it here and in no way have ever felt that our security is compromised. We don't do drugs, we don't frequent bars at night, we keep a low profile. Please don't let the media and "certain individuals who post here" scare you away. Come down as many are doing just that and enjoy all that this beautiful area and it's people have to offer.

[redpepper]

Ask The bystander that was killed in Joco if its real or not. You actually believe the papers NOB are scare-mongering than read this site. http://www.borderlandbeat.com/. As you see in a few posts, they don't go out a night. It would be nice to know you can go out without worry.

[Malaya]

We love it here and in no way have ever felt that our security is compromised. We don't do drugs, we don't frequent bars at night, we keep a low profile. Please don't let the media and "certain individuals who post here" scare you away. Come down as many are doing just that and enjoy all that this beautiful area and it's people have to offer.

I totally disagree with your statement of "individuals who post here" scaring you away.

Knowledge is power and knowing what is happening in this area allows you to make decisions that will benefit you in the long run. Knowing to pick a home that is secure is important. Knowing what areas are not desirable to be in is important. Knowing the type of crime that is happening helps you to be more aware of your surroundings and take more care in your daily lives.

Information, be it bad or good empowers people and makes them aware of what they need to do to live here happily and not become a victim.

[sambrit10]

I'm very interested in this topic, too -- also currently in the U.S. planning a move to Ajijic.

I've heard many times the argument of "there's crime everywhere" and "more crime in the U.S. than the Chapala area" but this April seems different. By my count there have been 10-12 murders lakeside in the past two weeks, along with several kidnappings and collateral damage of bullets flying in public. I got this tally from a variety of sources so can't really attribute it to media sensationalizing.

I was there after the narco blockades in Guadalajara in Feb 2011, and the robber-gone-wrong homicide of the expat lawyer in Dec 2011, and I could handle all that, no problem. But this seems more serious! I know that nowhere is totally safe, but 6 murders per 100,000 people a week just doesn't happen NOB (nor most cities in Mexico or any of Latin America) except in isolated incidents like Columbine.

And now I'm hearing about a police warning, people going home early from work, pulling their kids out of school, businesses being asked to shut their doors in broad daylight.

Which leaves me wondering whether this is just an aberration -- a temporary flareup -- or an escalation? I guess only time will tell, but if any of the reports I cited above are known to be false, I'd love to hear it.

[JayBearII]

And by the way, even if there are gunfights all over the place, I still have to water the roses and spray for cutter ants and feed the dog and shop for groceries--life goes on! So, most of my posts are still going to be about where to buy something or which new restaurant is good. People here are taking precautions, but they are going about life as usual. What else would one do?

[CCC]

I do go out at night, have since I first visited here, and have never felt nervous or afraid. I go shopping, work in the garden, visit markets and drive to Guad and around the lake. In other words I live my life. I do read the news reports but I do not hide under the bed. If you are aware of your environment you should be OK. People who want to be afraid will be. People who want to unsettle others will post and try to inflame. I refuse to live my life in fear.

[slainte39]

Asking the person who was killed their opinion vs. the many who are living, doesn't make much sense.
This is my advice in one sentence.
Stay away from anyone or anyplace that has anything to do with illegal street drugs and you will stay away from almost all problems.

[Atlas]

I'm very interested in this topic, too -- also currently in the U.S. planning a move to Ajijic.

I've heard many times the argument of "there's crime everywhere" and "more crime in the U.S. than the Chapala area" but this April seems different. By my count there have been 10-12 murders lakeside in the past two weeks, along with several kidnappings and collateral damage of bullets flying in public. I got this tally from a variety of sources so can't really attribute it to media sensationalizing.

I was there after the narco blockades in Guadalajara in Feb 2011, and the robber-gone-wrong homicide of the expat lawyer in Dec 2011, and I could handle all that, no problem. But this seems more serious! I know that nowhere is totally safe, but 6 murders per 100,000 people a week just doesn't happen NOB (nor most cities in Mexico or any of Latin America) except in isolated incidents like Columbine.

And now I'm hearing about a police warning, people going home early from work, pulling their kids out of school, businesses being asked to shut their doors in broad daylight.

Which leaves me wondering whether this is just an aberration -- a temporary flareup -- or an escalation? I guess only time will tell, but if any of the reports I cited above are known to be false, I'd love to hear it.

It looks like you're (inadvertantly) double counting. I count 6 in the last 3 weeks. The "Police Warning" is a hoax. All authorities have been contacted and NO warnings issued. Read the other boards as well as this one.

[slainte39]

I heard a long time ago the advice of residents of three cities in the U.S. in the late 1800's, namely Deadwood, Dodge City. and Tombstone...when trouble breaks out..."hit the floor".

[jnc]

What is REALLY happening in Ajijic? Well, let's see...today, the sun came up on another gorgeous day with blue skies and a light, cool breeze. I spent the morning and early afternoon driving up and down the carretera between central Ajijic and Riberas del Pilar while attending to various errands. The weekly street market called he tianguis was full of shoppers.. Other than the motorcycle accident others mentioned, not much else of note going on. Even the accident didn't appear to slow traffic unduly, and as far as I could see, no one was hurt. At mid-day the lovely bells of the Parrochia church rang, as they do every day at that time, sending their message resonating out across the community. The students from the school up the street did their mid-day shift change with the usual youthful clamor and laughter. This faded away into another long, quiet, brilliantly beautiful afternoon As the sun is drops low in the west, I expect still another gorgeous sunset over the western Lake.

Sorry, no calamitous gore to report. All quiet on the Lake front.

[HelperGuy]

I totally disagree with your statement of "individuals who post here" scaring you away. Information, be it bad or good empowers people and makes them aware of what they need to do to live here happily and not become a victim.

Yes, but let's admit it: there are individuals on this board who take nothing but pleasure in trying to freak us out every time they come across a sensational headline. It is these posters to whom Whitey refers. (On another topic, I still say we should disallow posts with only links to web pages. This is nothing if not pandering.)

[sambrit10]

It looks like you're (inadvertantly) double counting. I count 6 in the last 3 weeks. The "Police Warning" is a hoax. All authorities have been contacted and NO warnings issued. Read the other boards as well as this one.

As far as how I got that count of murders, here they are straight from the homepage of lakesidecrime.com. They are pretty careful to confirm any rumors and double-check media reports.

April 2 -- 2 killed in SJC
April 9 -- 3 killed in Ajijic
April 15 -- 3 bodies found near Joco
April 23 -- 2 killed in shootout in Joco, plus one body found in Joco and one in Chapala

Like I said, I'm more than happy to hear that any of this is false. But if it's true then saying there's "no calamitous gore to report" sounds like a massive understatement.

I hope the police warning really is a hoax!

And BTW -- I am still planning to come for my visit.