ROBBERS ON MOTORCYCLES

Recently near a well-known bakery in the Palmira section of Tegucigalpa two Honduran males on a motorcycle robbed an American at gunpoint. As the victim was about to enter her car a motorcycle pulled up, stopped and the male on the back jumped off and grabbed the victim's arm and then put a gun to her, threatened her and stole her purse. The assailant then left on the back of the motorcycle. Both men had guns and there were security guards near the area. It is believed that the robbers may have cruised the same street twice before choosing their target. The incident took place in the early afternoon.

The incident is a reminder of the high crime situation faced here in Tegucigalpa. This particular incident occurred in an area that locals as well as resident foreigners and diplomats frequent and consider reasonably "OK". This robbery is one example of crimes that have occurred recently in areas that are thought (by some) to be safe. A similar robbery by motorcycle happened near the Mall Multiplaza. RSO office would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone to review the security advice available at www.usmission.hn/english/mission/security.htm. More specifically the section for personal security and the Street security know who's who section should be reviewed. Crime in Tegucigalpa remains a serious problem. We all need to raise our security awareness and review our personal security practices.

Crimes involving two men on a motorcycle are common to the city. Additionally, there have been incidents of two men on a motorcycle grabbing bags and/or purses from both men and women, robbing from and/or carjacking stopped vehicles with an open driver's window, harassing and groping women that are walking on the streets and sidewalks and robbing security guards of their weapons. Two men on a medium size motorcycle should always be considered suspicious and appropriate actions taken (i.e. ensure that your windows are rolled up and doors locked, move further away on the sidewalk and head in an opposite direction, etc.). Sometimes the robbers will cruise by once before choosing the victim. Situational awareness is critical to not becoming a target.

VEHICLE SECURITY

Additionally, the theft of parked vehicles continues to take place in and around Tegucigalpa, (and San Pedro Sula and other cities) - including near the Mall Multiplaza in spite of the presence of some private security. We would like to remind everyone that its a important to have insurance, an alarm system, a physical blocking device such as "The Club" for the steering wheel or a similar device for the clutch/brake pedal such as Autolock and tinted widows. Tinted windows are important for several reasons - they obscure the number and gender of occupants, deter smash and grab thefts because the thief can't see inside, keep the vehicle cooler and, on bright days or in well lit areas have a mirror-like effect that helps the driver or passenger to watch for anyone behind them (check their "six") while approaching and entering the vehicle.