For many Australian travelers, the lure of visiting Mexico is so strong that they put real safety concerns aside, but the alleged murder of two surfer brothers is likely to discourage even the most intrepid visitor.
The alleged murders of Perth brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American surfing buddy Jack Carter Rhoad in the Mexican state of Baja California have exposed just how risky it is to visit the nation, plagued by violent and ruthless crime.
The Smart Traveler website provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns that Australians visiting Mexico are at high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, vehicle theft, sexual assault and kidnapping, especially after dark.
It warns that these violent crimes can occur even in tourist locations and resorts.
The northern border state of Baja California, where the bodies of the trio and another ranch manager were found in a 50-foot well, is one of the states most at risk, as drug cartels and smuggling gangs of people try to get their hands on their products. In the USA.
Australian brothers Callum, 33 (left) and Jake, 30, were last seen with their American friend on April 27.
Prosecutors have released grisly details of the murders but have not yet officially confirmed the identification of the bodies, including that of 30-year-old American Jack Carter Rhoad.
Talmi told Daily Mail Australia that while Mexico is a beautiful country, it presents challenges from a security perspective and tourists should be extremely vigilant.
A woman and two men have been arrested, although no charges have yet been laid.
Authorities believe the deaths resulted from a carjacking that escalated to the point that shots were fired.
Prosecutors released gruesome details of the murders and today confirmed that the families have positively identified their bodies.
The Mexican government has been fighting, but largely losing, its “War on Drugs” since December 2006, when newly elected President Calderón deployed more than 6,500 soldiers to his home state of Michoacán to fight drug traffickers.
A 2022 research article of Justice in Mexico, an organization that works to improve citizen security, strengthen the rule of law and protect human rights in Mexico, reveals some insights about the Baja California area.
The document states that the area “has been and continues to be a major focal point for violence and organized crime in Mexico.”
“The public safety challenges facing Baja California remain significant,” the newspaper states.
“Communities continue to be affected by high levels of violence, and emerging patterns in the incidence of violent crime serve as a reminder of the persistent volatility in the security situation.”
Eltan Talmi, security expert and founder and CEO of US security company Tactical Troop, agrees.
Talmi told Daily Mail Australia that while Mexico is a beautiful country, it presents challenges from a security perspective and tourists should be extremely vigilant.
He said: “In most places, one could visit, live or even work without feeling any threat or risk.”
Talmi advises tourists to follow the advice of local authorities, avoid isolated areas, be careful after dark and avoid dealing with unknown people.
He said violence in Mexico is carried out primarily by warring cartels and criminal groups fighting for control of cities.
Prosecutors released gruesome details of the murders and today confirmed that the families have positively identified their bodies.
According to local media, blood was discovered in three abandoned tents where the brothers and their American friend were believed to have been staying before they disappeared. A truck, said to belong to either Jake or Callum, was also found burnt out on a nearby farm (pictured).
The bodies were decomposing after the thieves dumped them in a remote 50-foot-deep well.
Talmi said areas like Baja California are of particular concern to tourists because they are very isolated and have little government presence.
“Tourists should take additional safety measures to mitigate the risk,” he said.
His advice to Australian tourists to make their trip to Mexico safer is to always understand the local culture and behaviour.
“Many tourists from many parts of the world believe that they can behave the same as in their country of origin without understanding the culture,” he said.
Talmi suggests that tourists traveling to Mexico should ask for help or report anything that makes them feel unsafe and request security support.
Even with the tragic incident of the two Australian brothers, he said Australians should still travel to Mexico, but “always consult with a trusted source about the places you plan to visit and not become a victim.”
Eitan Talmi quotes:
– Mexico, like most Latin American countries, is a security challenge. In most places, you could visit, live or even work without feeling any threat or risk. Dealing or doing any type of business with unknown people, or staying in remote areas can lead anyone to face risks or problems that they would like to avoid.
– Violence in Mexico is mainly due to the activities of cartels and criminal groups, their war for control of plazas can affect the daily lives of Mexicans and also tourists.
Are there areas that tourists should avoid?
– Mexico is a beautiful country, but like most LATAM cities, tourists must avoid isolated areas, move at night and deal with unknown people.
Are the main tourist sites and destinations okay for tourists?
– Yes, people just need to avoid specific areas, or be associated with unknown people or do any kind of business with strangers.
What can Australian tourists do to make their trip to Mexico safer?
– Always consult with a reliable source about the places you plan to visit. – Where possible, receive support and assistance in planning and during the trip.
– They must make sure they understand local culture and behavior. Many tourists from many parts of the world believe that they can behave as they would in their home country without understanding the culture, or that the person in front of them will get the message of what they are doing.
– Call for help or report any instances where you feel unsafe and request safety support.
(Do you think tourists are safer in the main tourist areas?)
– If they follow the recommendations and avoid problematic places or situations – YES.
(Should Australian tourists still travel to Mexico?)
– Yes. You just have to understand the situation and not become a victim.
(Is the problem mainly isolated areas?)
Yes. Isolated areas with little government presence are a problem.
(Is the Baja California area of particular concern? Why is this?)
– In Baja there are many isolated areas where tourists must take additional safety measures to mitigate risk.