What makes Mexico so unsafe for travellers – as shocking new details emerge about why Aussies were targeted: ‘Life is cheap there’

For many Australian travelers the lure of visiting Mexico is so strong that they brush aside the very real safety concerns, but the alleged murder of two surfer brothers is likely to deter even the most fearless potential visitor.

The alleged murders of Perth brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and American surfing buddy Jack Carter Rhoad in the Mexican state of Baja California has highlighted how risky it is to visit the country, which is plagued by brutal violent crime.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smart Traveler website warns that Australians visiting Mexico are at high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, carjacking, assault and kidnapping, especially after dark.

It advises that these violent crimes can occur even in tourist spots 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 among the higher-risk states because of drug cartels and human smuggling gangs trying to get their hands on their products. to the US.

Prosecutors have released gruesome details about the killings but have not officially confirmed the identification of the bodies, including 30-year-old American Jack Carter Rhoad.

Mr Talmi told Daily Mail Australia that while Mexico is a beautiful country, it is challenging from a security perspective and tourists must be extremely vigilant.

A woman and two men have been arrested, although charges have not yet been finalized.

Authorities believe the deaths resulted from a carjacking that escalated to the point where shots were fired.

Prosecutors have released gruesome details about the killings 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 Calderon sent more than 6,500 soldiers to his home state of Michoacán to fight drug traffickers.

A 2022 research paper by Justice in Mexico, an organization that works to improve citizen safety, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights in Mexico, reveals some insight into the Baja California area.

The newspaper states that the area “has been and remains a major focal point for violence and organized crime in Mexico.”

“The public safety challenges facing Baja California remain significant,” the paper said.

“Communities continue to be affected by elevated levels of violence, and emerging patterns in the incidence of violent crime are a reminder of the continued volatility in the security environment.”

Eltan Talmi, a security expert and founder and CEO of US security company Tactical Troop, agrees.

Mr Talmi told Daily Mail Australia that while Mexico is a beautiful country, it is challenging from a security perspective and tourists must be extremely vigilant.

He said: ‘Most places you could visit, live or even work without feeling any threat or risk.’

Mr Talmi advises tourists to follow the advice of local authorities, avoid remote areas, be careful after dark and avoid contact with unknown people.

He said the violence in Mexico is mainly carried out by warring cartels and criminal groups vying for control of cities.

Prosecutors have released gruesome details about the killings and today confirmed that the families have positively identified their bodies.

According to local media, blood was discovered at three abandoned tents where the brothers and their American friend stayed before they disappeared. A truck, believed to belong to 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.

Mr. Talmi said areas like Baja California are of special interest to tourists because they are very isolated and have little government presence.

“Tourists should take extra safety measures to limit the risk,” he said.

His advice to Australian tourists to make their trip to Mexico safer is to always understand the local culture and behavior.

“Many tourists from many parts of the world believe they can behave the same as in their home country without understanding the culture,” he said.

Mr Talmi suggests that tourists to Mexico should ask for help or report anything that makes them feel unsafe and ask for security support.

Even after the tragic incident of the two Australian brothers, he said Australians should still travel to Mexico but “always inquire from a reliable source about the places they plan to visit and not become victims.”

Eitan Talmi quotes:

– Mexico, like most Latin American countries, poses a security challenge. Most places you could visit, live or even work without feeling any threat or risk. Interacting or doing business with unknown people, or staying in remote areas can cause anyone to encounter risks or problems that he or she would like to avoid.

– The violence in Mexico mainly concerns the activities of cartels and criminal groups. Their war for control of the plazas can affect the normal lives of the Mexican people and also of tourists.

Are there areas that tourists should avoid?

– Mexico is a beautiful country, but like most cities in Latin America, tourists should avoid isolated areas, moving at night and interacting with unknown people.

Are the main attractions and tourist destinations suitable for tourists?

– Yes, people should avoid specific areas, be related to unknown persons or do business with unknown persons.

What can Australian tourists do to make their trip to Mexico safer?

– Always check with a reliable source about the places they plan to visit. – If possible, receive support and assistance with planning and during the trip.

– They need to make sure they understand the local culture and behavior. Many tourists from many parts of the world believe that they can behave just as they would in their home country, without understanding the culture, or that the person in front of them will receive the message of what that person is doing.

– Call for help or report any instance where they feel unsafe and ask for security support.

(do you believe tourists are safer in the major tourist areas?)

– If they follow the recommendations and avoid problematic places or situations – YES.

(Should Australian tourists still travel to Mexico?)

– Yes. You just need to understand the situation and not become a victim.

(Is it mainly the isolated areas that are the problem?)

Yes. Isolated areas with low government presence are a problem.

(Is the Baja California area of ​​special interest? Why is that?)

– In Baja there are many isolated areas where tourists must take extra safety measures to limit the risk.