What makes Mexico so unsafe for travellers - as shocking new details emerge ... trends now
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
