•In the parking lot of a hotel in San Luis Potosí City, San Luis Potosí State, and in the parking lot of a convenience store in the Majalcasgo area of León City, Guanajuato State, car break-ins and attempted break-ins have occurred. In particular, car break-ins are frequent in León City, regardless of time or location. Short-term visitors, including business travelers, should exercise caution.
1.Incident Overview
(1) On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, around 8:00 PM, four Japanese men (corporate expatriates) parked their vehicle in the hotel parking lot in San Luis Potosí City while they went out for dinner. When they checked their vehicle after the meal, they found the rear window on the driver’s side shattered, and tools left on the back seat had been stolen. There was no security personnel in the hotel parking lot.
(2) On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, around 9:00 PM, a Japanese man (corporate expatriate) returned to his vehicle parked at a convenience store near his home in the Majalcasgo area of León City after shopping for about ten minutes, only to find the rear window on the driver’s side shattered. Since he did not leave any valuables in the car, there was only damage from the broken glass.
2.Precautions
(1) The location of the incidents was the hotel parking lot, where general vigilance may be reduced. Although it is a parking lot within the hotel premises, please do not assume safety and avoid leaving belongings in the car. Additionally, choose hotels with comprehensive safety measures whenever possible.
(2) As previously alerted in consular emails, car break-ins frequently occur regardless of time and place. Generally, theft incidents tend to increase towards the end of the year, so please pay extra attention to theft prevention measures. Even for a short time away from the car, always lock it and take valuables such as laptops, smartphones, and passports with you instead of leaving them inside.
(3) The risk of becoming a victim is higher during times and in locations with fewer people. Even at familiar stores, when parking in the parking lot, avoid parking far from the store and choose a spot where the vehicle can be easily seen.
(4) For items that cannot be carried, keeping them in the trunk can be an effective measure, but if the assailants see you placing items in the trunk, it makes your vehicle a prime target. Store items in the trunk before departing (for hatchback vehicles, ensure that items are not visible from the outside).
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