Comments on: Crime In Merida: A Mean Con

By: Malinche

Malinche — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:51:54 +0000

t is nice to see some truths being written as opposed to the pollyana variety at websites disguised as Yucatan lifestyles for expats, when in actuality they are trumpeting their own gringo-oriented businesses. I am not writing to abet fear mongering, and I know too often that becomes the case with crime in Mexico.
It makes sense that Merida would ultimately be squeezed by the surrounding narco violence. Why is it never mentioned that the decapitated men found there had Maya names? It seems obvious to me tht they were recruited from the region. I also don’t believe the whole “narco families live here” theory, as an explanation of why there is a violence hands-off policy here among th cartels.
They say the same things in here in Guadalajara, but there are signs of escalation here. Also, with Guatemala becoming increasingly narco oriented, that puts on further pressure on southern mexico.
I know historical data has kidnappings in Yucatan as nearly non-existent, but what happens if just one person is abducted? That would be an incredible blow to confidence and stability.
I’ve spent lots of time in Merida, and personally have ZERO fear walking the city. I am also from a large city myself, but there just seems to be a large amount of risk in Merida that is not easily measured and makes me think twice about buying real estate there. The concept of buying the blood in the streets is nearly literal in this case. I would rather wait til the trumpets at least blare quietly before making such a commitment.
There are an amazing number of barriers and pitfalls to living in Mexico, and I am tired of websites ( i have one in mind, but won’t mention) extolling only virtues without at least weighing the case for the violence that surrounds Merida. The narcos move where they wish, and their presence in areas surrounding Merida only raises the question of why they are treating Merida in more of a laissez-faire manner.
I had intentions of moving to Merida as well, but there are just too many moving parts right now. I appreciate hearing from those living there who are willing to speak the truth.
I am ardently supportive of Mexico, having lived in various parts on and off for many years, but I am realistic with regards to the tremendous pressures they face not only from the cartels. The financial crisis is still weighing heavily upon the world obviously, and that would be enought to deal with aside from the political/narco strife. Now adding in the decreased production of Pemex which accounts for a large percentage of income, and you can see what a difficult set of issues they face. That said, there is solid precedent in Mexico’s history of dealing with narco activity, and the government, in my view, is gathering its forces as it did successfully in the 80s. I am really excited about Latin America in general over the coming decade, and growth there will continue to be spectacular once the narco violence gets under control along with the eventual resolution of the sovereign debt crisis in europe and the Euro. Interesting times to say the least!

By: emily

emily — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:18:22 +0000

Love reading your blog, I usually learn something interesting stuff. Emily RandallHusky Training

By: Itsme!

Itsme! — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:11:08 +0000

Comment:
You are a great writer Beryl… I’m sure people read all the way to the end because you parlayed important information in an entertaining way. But people do not be fooled! These SOBs sound mean but actually they are big fat cowards hiding behind the telephone. Merida IS a wonderful place… Let’s keep it this way. If they don’t score, they’ll move on. Should you get a call… My sympathies … BUT… don’t cave – hang up and call the police. They WILL help you. Trust them! This is coming from someone who’s been there… done that!

By: Mario Arredondo

Mario Arredondo — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:04:18 +0000

Excellent article with an implicit lesson we could all learn from..

I have just returned from a trip to India to find out that my home had been burglarized. The burglars were so primitive that they stole banal things such as toothpaste (unbelievable!!) but the ignored silverware and the like..

By: Yucatan Living - News: Boxing, H1N1, No Crime

Yucatan Living - News: Boxing, H1N1, No Crime — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:08:29 +0000

[...] We read about this and other con artists, such as the poor waif who just needs a drink of water, on Gorbman.com. If you receive one of these calls, the police ask that you not show anxiety, but instead yell [...]

By: Jonna

Jonna — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:33:11 +0000

The virtual kidnapping has been happening over in QRoo, Cancun and Playa, for maybe 2 years. Often there are the screams of a girl or a child in the background, crying and screaming ‘ayudame’. It’s unnerving to say the least, even when you know it is not who they say it is.

I’m sorry it is happening in Merida as well, although I’m not surprised. Good for you for publicizing it, hopefully you will prevent someone else being victimized. Most that I have heard about were in Spanish and I did see articles on it in the Diario but there have been a few over in Cancun that were in English.

By: Jane

Jane — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:23:30 +0000

Beryl, the exact same scams happen all the time in San Miguel, too, another “paradise.” And, of course we have robberies, too. (I was robbed in October.)

Yes, the impact of the financial crisis is in full swing here. Revenue in most stores is down about 50%, and it’s rare that you can go into a crowded restaurant these days. In most instances, you are only one of four or six customers.

By: Katie Brewer

Katie Brewer — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:38:48 +0000

Really good article! Thanks for the heads up.

Katie

By: Judy Rosenfeld

Judy Rosenfeld — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:19:14 +0000

Oy!

By: Theresa in Mérida

Theresa in Mérida — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:24:44 +0000

I know it sounds hard hearted but never let anyone in your home that you do not know. Trust me, they won’t be offended if you shut (and lock) the door, get the glass of water and then return.
Of course, having a dog who barks and looks scary is a good thing too.
My Yucatecan neighbor fell for the your son said he would lend me money scam.

It goes like this “Hi, is your son home?”
” Oswaldo isn’t but Pedro is?”
“Oswaldo, he said he would be here, He told me he’d lend me some money”.
Then the perp calls “Oswaldo” on the phone, and tells the home owner “he says that if you give me the money, he’ll repay when he gets home”. Phone call conveniently cuts off then, no more credit oops…

We also had someone come to our door when we were gone. They told La Muchacha that they were there to pick up some furniture. She is the suspicious type, and wanted to know who sent them and what furniture. They pointed vaguely down the street. Then they asked our last name saying “aren’t they the Phillips?”, she answered “It’s something foreign, I forget, but not that, Good bye”.

Coincidentally the brand name on the lock on our door is Phillips, another reason not to put one of those cute Familia Phillips signs on your door.

Yes, the serpent has once again found paradise.

regards,
Theresa