Concern about Crime in PV

My wife and I have a trip planned to PV in June 2009. We have been there twice before (and to Mazatlan three times) and have always enjoyed it with no negative experiences. However, we have been hearing about all of the drug related crimes, kidnappings, etc. recently in Mexico and unfortunately it is making us a bit \"gun shy\" about the trip. Even the U.S. State Department has been advertising warnings about crime in Mexico. We would be interested in any RECENT feedback you could give us on this topic. We realize that every city (in the world) has some degree of crime, but the news on Mexico seems to be relentless.... Thanks.

I think the real crime would be - being afraid and missing a wonderful vacation in PV . Laurie and I were in PV in early Jan and we can report a very serious incident - Puerto Vallarta stole our hearts (again ) and we will have to return to get them back ! :)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i3WOIjvUbuOPshuFgFZ5NAjPn5Gg

Mogens

I think that bad things are happening more all over the world, not just in Mexico, or here at home or in Canada, but every place. Smitty said it all when he said \"I think the real crime would be - being afraid and missing a wonderful vacation in PV.\"

Therein lies the \"crime\". We cannot let fear rule our lives. We just have to be a little more careful and cautious. Chuck... 8)

Thanks for all your comments. This certainly helps to put our mind to rest on the security issue. :D

Does anyone have any real statistics on crime in PV?

For example, in Vancouver there have been 16 murders so far in 2009.

The Mexican Tourism Board this week launched

http://www.whatisreallyhappeninginmexico.com/my_weblog/

Think this is the site Tom was talking about....

Well, the U.K has warnings about Mexico http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/mexico and the U.S. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/united-states
Interesting to note that on both warnings, Mexico is warned against. Australia has similar advise http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Mexico http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/United_States_of_America.
This is a scarry world. Chuck... 8)

I personally have spoke with visitors to mexico within the last week ,one being my father, the others who I chat with daily who live in pv ,are just having a great time- so take what you will with a grain of salt

I agree mogens...
I feel sorry for those that are going to suffer financially
because of all this......

http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2009/03/mexico_the_elusive_truth_about.html

Interesting read, specially the comments at the end.

Greetings

Mogens

This may have already been posted so for anybody scared of mexico ,just look up the bad stuff that happens in new orleans ,yet you dont hear a peep about warning anyone from traveling there, let alone my little town of south bend with the most gun murders or quickly approaching yet to date this year
If financially I had a choice ,mine would be mexico.I would be a border jumper and I served in our military ,sorry.

I think with the economy in the tank we are going to see a raise in crime, not only in Mexico but here in the US. That being said, my father who just came back from Puerto Vallarta, said things are fine down there and that the police presence is a little higher now. As long as tourist take the unusal precautions, they should be fine. I will be heading down in there this Saturday at one of the most busiest times of the year and I will personally let you know how things are.

PV Tourism Board is making some good videos on Vallarta:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kImj6PvXvbc

Ah, and an interesting article:
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=8e691dcf627bab5e72b42dbd5f4cbc65
Puts things more in perspective.

Interesting to note the part they say that The Tourism Council of the State of Florida finances sites that try to give Mexico a bad image.

Greetings

Mogens

http://mexico-update.com

Interesting site.

Mogens

Well i hope that Obama, Hilary, and Homeland security got to see this report. Wonder if i should send them our you-tube page as well... that will get them going...

thanks for the updates there boss....