For many Australian travellers, the appeal of visiting Mexico is so strong that they set aside the very real safety concerns, but the alleged murder of two surfer brothers is likely to put off even the most fearless would-be 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 exposed just how risky it is to visit the nation, which is racked by ruthless violent crime.
The Smart Traveller website provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns Australians visiting Mexico are at a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, carjacking, sexual assault and kidnapping, especially after dark.
It advises these violent crimes can even occur at 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 one of the states with higher risk, due to drug cartels and people-smuggling gangs trying to get their products into the US.
Australian brothers Callum, 33 (left) and Jake, 30, were last seen with their American friend on April 27
Prosecutors released grisly details of the slayings, but have not yet 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 point of view and tourists should be extremely vigilant
A woman and two men have been arrested, though the charges have not yet been finalised.
Authorities believe the deaths stemmed from a vehicle robbery that escalated to the point that shots were fired.
Prosecutors released grisly details of the slayings, and today confirmed 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 deployed more than 6,500 soldiers to his home state of Michoacán to battle drug traffickers.
A 2022 research paper by Justice in Mexico an organisation that works to improve citizen security, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights in Mexico reveals some insight into the Baja California area.
The paper states that the area ‘has been and remains an important focal point for violence and organized crime in Mexico.’
‘The public security challenges facing Baja California remain significant,’ the paper states.
‘Communities continue to be impacted by elevated levels of violence, and emerging patterns in violent crime incidence serve as a reminder of persistent volatility in the security situation.’
Eltan Talmi, a security expert and founder and CEO of US-based security company Tactical Troop, agrees.
Mr Talmi told Daily Mail Australia that while Mexico Is a beautiful country, it is challenging from a security point of view and tourists should be extremely vigilant.
He said ‘Most of the places, you would be able to visit, live or even work without feeling any threat or risk.’
Mr 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 the violence in Mexico is mainly carried out by warring cartels and criminal groups battling for control of the cities.
Prosecutors released grisly details of the slayings, and today confirmed 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 were believed to be staying before they vanished. A truck, said to belong to either Jake or Callum, was also found burnt out at a nearby farm (pictured)
The corpses were decomposing after the thieves dumped them into a remote, 50- foot deep well
Mr Talmi said that areas like Baja California are of special concern for tourists as they are very isolated with low government presence.
‘Tourists should exercise extra safety measures to mitigate the risk,’ he said.
His advice for Australian tourists to make their trip to Mexico more safe is to always understand local culture and behaviour.
‘Many tourists from many parts of the world believe they can behave the same as they do in their home country without understanding the culture,’ he said.
Mr Talmi suggests tourists to Mexico should call for assistance or report anything that made 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 to ‘always check with a reliable source about the places they are planning to visit and not become a victim.’
Eitan Talmi quotes:
– Mexico, as most of the Latin American countries, are a challenge regarding to security. Most of the places, you would be able to visit, live or even work without feeling any threat or risk. Dealing or doing any kind of business with unknown people, or staying on remote areas can lead anyone to front risks or problems that they would like to avoid.
– The violence in Mexico is mostly regarding Cartels and criminal groups activities, Their war for the control of the plazas, may affect the regular life of the Mexican people and also of tourist.
Are there areas tourists should avoid?
– Mexico Is a beautiful country, but as most of LATAM cities, tourist should avoid isolate areas, moving on night hours and dealing with unknown people.
Are the major sites and tourist destinations ok for tourists?
– Yes, people just need to avoid specific areas, or be related to unknown persons or do any kind of business with unknowns.
What can Australian tourists do to make their trip to Mexico more safe?
– Always check with a reliable source about the places they are planning to visit. – When possible, receive support and assistance in the planning and during the trip.
– They need to ensure that they understand the local culture and behavior. Many tourist from many parts of the world believe they can behave as same they will do it in their home country without understanding the culture, or who the person in front of them will receive the message of what the person is doing.
– Call for any assistance or report any case they feel unsafe and request 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. 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 issue.
(Is the Baja California area of special concern? Why is that?)
– In Baja are many isolates areas that tourist should exercise extra safety measures to mitigate the risk.
