• Recently, incidents of vehicle break-ins have been reported frequently throughout León, occurring at various times and locations. This advisory applies to all visitors, including business travelers. In particular, incidents have occurred when vehicles were parked on the street while patrons visited restaurants without dedicated parking. It is advisable to avoid street parking as there is no security.
1. Incident Overview
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., four Japanese nationals (all business representatives) returned to their vehicle after dining at a restaurant in Punto Verde. They discovered the rear quarter window next to the driver’s side rear seat had been shattered, likely with a glass cutter. Fortunately, there were no valuables left in the vehicle, so only the window was damaged. The restaurant had no parking facilities, so they parked on the street outside, which was not visible from inside the establishment. While many residents’ vehicles were parked in the area, only the vehicle belonging to the Japanese nationals was targeted.
2. Safety Precautions
1.Stay Vigilant: Vehicle break-ins can happen at any time or place in Mexico. Even if you are only stepping away briefly, always lock your vehicle and carry valuables like laptops, phones, and passports with you.
2.Avoid Street Parking in Unsecured Areas: The risk of break-ins is higher in isolated areas or during less busy hours. Avoid street parking when possible, as these areas often lack security personnel. If street parking is unavoidable, limit your time away and, if possible, sit where you can monitor the vehicle. Even in a parking lot, avoid spots that are far from the establishment or out of the security personnel’s view. Always check the surroundings before parking.
3.Secure Valuables in the Trunk: For items that cannot be carried, storing them in the trunk before departure can be an effective deterrent. However, if someone observes this, it can make your vehicle a target. Avoid moving items in and out of the trunk at the parking location. In vehicles with hatchbacks, ensure items are concealed from view.
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