Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

simpsca

Mar 7, 2011, 9:19 AM

Post #1 of 16 (3870 views)

Shortcut

Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

A friend of mine was walking on the Chapala Malecon yesterday when this happened: "I had my billfold stolen yesterday on the malecon in Chapala, they surrounded me and cut me off from Tom, all pretty scarey,,,actually I was so pissed"

During holidays like Mardi Gras we get lots of out of towners especially on a Sunday. So be careful everyone. She was waling with her man friend, just be a group effort.

Gringal

Mar 7, 2011, 11:18 AM

Post #2 of 16 (3832 views)

Shortcut

Re: [simpsca] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

Good heads up.

Also, be careful anywhere when you're in a crowd. Most people are not thieves, but like everywhere else, some are. Don't put your wallet in your back pants pocket, guys.......and ladies, don't leave a dangling purse open. Better yet, leave your wallet and/or your money at home for the big crowd occasions.

Mar 7, 2011, 12:46 PM

Post #3 of 16 (3803 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Gringal] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

Absolutely. Any man that carries their goodies in their back pocket is a prime target, plus when you sit down, you're throwing your spine out of alignment. I know, as it happened to me. When in big crowds, tuck your goodies into your socks or bare minimum give up the wallet, get a money clip and carry it in your front pocket. Women should never go out in large crowds without a purse that you can drape over your head. They are not going to get the purse if they have to rip your head off to do so.

Years ago, went to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Nighttime parade. I had been forewarned by the owner of the b and b where I was staying to tuck my stuff in my socks, as pickers are rampant in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. I did as he suggested and was busy acting like an idiot, screaming for beads from the floats, and sure enough, I felt a hand in my left front pocket. Thought he was just being friendly, but grabbed his hand so that he could not get it out of my pocket. Yup, was stronger in those days. Looked for a cop. None in sight, of course. Slapped his wrist , big deal. I let him go and he ran like hell.

Chapala Mardi Gras, does not hold a candle, when it comes to crime, compared to New Orleans. Wherever you are anywhere in the world, take precautions

T

Mar 7, 2011, 12:50 PM

Post #4 of 16 (3801 views)

Shortcut

Re: [simpsca] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

Wish you had posted more info. She was with Tom and they surrounded her and then did what? Was she threatened? How did they get her billfold and what was Tom doing? Pretty sketchy stuff. It would be helpful if you share more so that folks know what to look out for. T

Rolly

Mar 7, 2011, 1:25 PM

Post #5 of 16 (3784 views)

Shortcut

Re: [T] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

...give up the wallet, get a money clip and carry it in your front pocket.
That's what I have been doing for many years.
My money clip is a paper clip -- cheap, works great, and takes little space.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Mar 7, 2011, 1:32 PM

Post #6 of 16 (3779 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Rolly] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

I paid 200 pesos for mine two years ago at the beach in Guayabitos. It is sterling silver, at least that is what the street vendor told me. why would I doubt him. He had an honest face. T

simpsca

Mar 7, 2011, 2:09 PM

Post #7 of 16 (3769 views)

Shortcut

Re: [T] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

I didn't have any more information originally. I just found out some guys surrounded her separating her from her friend, then slit her hand bag and made off with her wallet. Her friend was separated from her and it happened so fast there wasn't anything he could do. She and her friend found Spencer who gave them directions to the Minesterio Publico.

It happened on the Chapala malecon this past Sunday afternoon.

(This post was edited by simpsca on Mar 7, 2011, 2:11 PM)

La Isla

Mar 7, 2011, 2:48 PM

Post #8 of 16 (3764 views)

Shortcut

Re: [T] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

In Reply To

I paid 200 pesos for mine two years ago at the beach in Guayabitos. It is sterling silver, at least that is what the street vendor told me. why would I doubt him. He had an honest face. T

In lieu of a vendor with an honest face, you can always check the item you're thinking of buying for the 925 stamp that tells you it's authentic sterling silver.

Gringal

Mar 7, 2011, 3:28 PM

Post #9 of 16 (3756 views)

Shortcut

Re: [simpsca] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

...and another little thought for the day: Leather purses are very, very easy to slit. On the other hand, those heavy crocheted bags would be a witch to cut. You'd need garden shears for mine, or I think I'd notice someone sawing away with a box cutter. lol. I agree that they aren't likely to take your head off to get at that bag. There are easier marks.

For the guys: a local man had his money lifted from his FRONT jeans pocket last year in the Walmart parking lot. This is a guy whose jeans were probably pretty tight, too, based on his body mass.....so don't think the baddies won't go there.
Finally: you're not going to have much fun at a public event if you have to constantly be thinking about your stuff, so put it where you don't have to think about it........and enjoy the festivities.

Mar 8, 2011, 12:22 PM

Post #10 of 16 (3673 views)

Shortcut

Re: [La Isla] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

Well, bless your heart. It does have a 925 stamp. Thanks, T

Mar 8, 2011, 12:25 PM

Post #11 of 16 (3665 views)

Shortcut

Re: [simpsca] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

I am not questioning you, but have played this scene in my head over and over and cannot picture the scenario. Guess you had to be there. Glad I was not. T

La Isla

Mar 8, 2011, 12:27 PM

Post #12 of 16 (3665 views)

Shortcut

Re: [T] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

You're welcome, T. Looking for the 925 stamp is one of the first things I learned about on my first stay in Mexico in 1966.

Reefhound

Mar 8, 2011, 12:31 PM

Post #13 of 16 (3664 views)

Shortcut

Re: [La Isla] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

Counterfeiters cannot reproduce a 925 stamp?

Gringal

Mar 8, 2011, 1:07 PM

Post #14 of 16 (3651 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Reefhound] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

Therein lies a very interesting question. You KNOW they'd try. Anyone know the skinny on this?

Mar 8, 2011, 1:09 PM

Post #15 of 16 (3649 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Reefhound] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

Good question. Was wondering that myself. My money clip also is imprinted with " Hecho in Mexico" and some number or letters that I cannot read due to long time use. I think I got a good deal for 200 pesos, but am curious about the counterfeiting aspect. T

chinagringo

Mar 8, 2011, 2:04 PM

Post #16 of 16 (3631 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Gringal] Be careful during Mardi Gras

Can't Post | Private Reply

We would all be very naive to think that the 925 stamp is never counterfeited! As a matter of fact, Ebay is flooded with silver merchandise with fake stamps. On the positive side, most of the counterfeit stamps are on merchandise from China and SE Asia and not so much on Mexico produced product. A 925 or 950 stamp is supposed to be an indicator for Sterling Silver. There is another additional stamp often used in Mexico - "Mexico" or "Mex". From what I know, most counterfeiters will not use this stamp out of fear because the penalties for improper use are much more severe. There is a third stamp which may show up, the manufacturer's or jeweler's stamp assigned by the Mexican Government. This stamp is generally two capital letters followed by two numbers, example AC-44.

Lastly, price is also a good indicator. If the price is too good to be true, then there is a good chance it is fake!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM