A series of carjackings targeting Americans driving in Matamoros has prompted action from Tamaulipas state officials.
The American Consulate of Matamoros issued a warning about the carjackings on Thursday.
According to the warning, at least five American citizens or legal residents have been victims of carjackings in the first two weeks of December.
Authorities believe the same suspects are targeting cars with Texas license plates.
The carjackings took place in the Colonia Jardin and other neighborhoods in the northern area of the city.
The suspects were described as two armed males in their early 20s and weighing about 150 pounds.
The pair have been seen driving different vehicles, including a green Chevrolet Cavalier, a green Chevrolet Tahoe and a black Ford Escort.
Tamaulipas state officials responded to the consulate warning late Thursday afternoon.
Investigators said the carjackings are happening in the neighborhood surrounding the consulate.
State officials promised to catch those responsible and set up a special operation that includes extra patrols by state and local police as well as military troops.
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
Publicado el 15 de diciembre de 2011 en las categorías de Noticias, Secretaría General de Gobierno
CD. VICTORIA, Tamaulipas.- El Gobierno del Estado de Tamaulipas informa a la comunidad del municipio de Matamoros, que dispone de información detallada con respecto a la comisión del robo de vehículos automotrices con placas del Estado de Texas, que se están cometiendo en la Colonia Jardín de ese municipio, en las inmediaciones de las oficinas que ocupa el Consulado de los Estados Unidos de América.
Ante estos hechos, la Secretaría de Seguridad Pública y la Procuraduría General de Justicia del Estado han implementado un operativo específico con elementos de esas dependencias y elementos militares que se encuentran adscritos en el municipio de Matamoros, para la localización y detención de los integrantes de bandas delictivas.
Con los datos obtenidos, el Ministerio Público abrió la investigación correspondiente y realizará las actuaciones para dar con los responsables para presentarlos ante la justicia.
Emergency Message to U.S. Citizens About Carjackings in Matamoros
The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros has learned that a series of carjackings appear to have been committed by the same suspects in the first two weeks of December in neighborhoods in the north of Matamoros. At least five of the carjacking victims were either US citizens or Legal Permanent Residents of the US. Suspected perpetrators were described as two armed males in their early 20s, each approximately 150 lbs. The pair have been seen driving different vehicles, including a green Chevrolet Cavalier, a green Chevrolet Tahoe and a black Ford Escort. The carjackers appear to be targeting vehicles with valid U.S. license plates that are stopped in traffic or parked at commercial establishments.
American citizens who find themselves confronted by armed assailants who demand property should know that it is usually best to comply with those demands. Additionally, U.S. Government official personnel assigned to the U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros have been advised to:
Travel in pairs whenever possible
Watch what is happening in mirrors – trouble can come from behind as fast as from the front
Pre-program emergency phone numbers in your phone and have your cell phone charged and with you at all times
Keep emergency medical supplies in the car
Be familiar with the areas in which one is driving and know as many different routes as possible
Know one’s vehicle and its capabilities; ensure it is in good working order and de-program any auto-unlocking features
Trust one’s instincts; most crime victims perceived something was wrong before they actually experienced it
Have a plan before leaving; know where safe havens (e.g., police stations or Mexican military outposts) are along intended routes
Please review the Department of State’s Travel Warning concerning travel within Mexico and the state of Tamaulipas, available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5440.html. The Department continues to advise U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas. We also encourage U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without internet access may register in person or by phone with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
For any emergencies involving American citizens in the Matamoros consular district, please call or visit the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Consulate General on Avenida Primera 2002, Col. Jardin, Matamoros, Tamaulipas; telephone (011)(52)(868) 812-4402; http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/.