Announcement from State Department on Crime Ring in Hermosillo

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U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo

American Citizen Services Office

Ave. Monterrey 141 Poniente

Ph: (662) 289-3500, ext. 3595/3522/3417

E-mail hermoACS@state.gov

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

Security Message for U.S. Citizens:  Crime Ring in Hermosillo Targeting Electronics in Vehicles

March 13, 2013

 

Local police have informed the Consulate that there are teams of three to four thieves breaking into vehicles in parking lots of major shopping centers and stores in Hermosillo.  These teams have been focusing on newer model vehicles, and they utilize a sensor that detects the presence of electronic devices inside.  They drive around parking lots searching for targets, detect electronic signals, and then break into the car using methods that avoid activating onboard alarm systems.  The sensor reportedly picks up the signature from lithium batteries and other electronic components even if the devices are turned off.  [Note:  Police believe that these teams work for the same criminal organization that has been responsible for credit card skimming in Hermosillo.]

 

The Consulate recommends that U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Hermosillo avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles.  Locking electronic devices in your trunk or glove box will not prevent these criminal teams from detecting and stealing them.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.  Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mexico enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://www.Travel.State.Gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings (including the Travel Warning for Mexico), Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Mexico.  For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website. 

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips. 

The U.S. Consulate in Hermosillo is located at Calle Monterrey #141 and is open from 8:00AM-4:30PM (+52-1-662-289-3500).  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate is +52-1-662-256-0741.

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