Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cornwall uk
Posts: 30
'Scams' used for vehicle hijack / robbery.

In view of the increasing number of reports of vehicles being stopped for hijacking / robbery (or worse) - I wondered if it might be worth reporting some of the methods used to actually get the vehicle to stop in the first place.
Of course the methods employed will vary enormously between say Spain & Northern Mali, and it is likely that there is little one can do to avoid the situation - but it prevents one incident it will be worth it.
Anybody got first hand experience or reliable accounts?
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Nicaragua
Posts: 28
hmmm

let's see.

In Nicaragua they usually don't robb/stop vehicles blindly.
I haven't heard of anyone getting their bike stolen, as long as it's the bigger models. A 650 or a 1100 Bmw is pretty tricky to sell, as it really stands out here.
Guatemala and San Salvador are known for car jacking, but they usually jack cars like corollas that are easy to sell in parts or re-register and sell again.
Would be fun to see them trying to coaster a big bike!!!

Places to avoid are:
traffic lights at rush hour, at least roll up windows if you're in a car
roads with very light traffic (let's say 1 per hour) and in bad conditions in remote locations

CA1 is safe all the way up to the mexican border and down to Panama as long as you keep decent speeds.
Nicaragua is safe even at night, on the CA1 and I'd go for a drive to Guatemala/Panama in the middle of the night if neccessary.

I live in Nicaragua and has done so for 7 years so at least my 2 cents are very valid for Nicaragua.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Mar 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Montreal
Posts: 250
Throwing Rocks in your windshield to stop you

When I was in Guatemala, I meet a couple from France who has been living there for 15 years. They told me that it happens often that thieves hide themselves in the mountains or over a bridge. Then when you pass with your car they'll throw a big rock at your windshield to make you stop. Then I don't need to explain the rest of the story.

Patrick
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Mar 2007
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by PatOnTrip View Post
When I was in Guatemala, I meet a couple from France who has been living there for 15 years. They told me that it happens often that thieves hide themselves in the mountains or over a bridge. Then when you pass with your car they'll throw a big rock at your windshield to make you stop. Then I don't need to explain the rest of the story.

Patrick
Ok...tot straks!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Nicaragua
Posts: 28
other tecniques

logs over road (only in isolated area)
usually at least 4 guys with at least 2 really good guns (usually ak 47 in nic) that comes out of the bush when you stop

in cities, they bump into you/small accident. When you get out they show you their guns and drive off. anti-secuestro/kidnapping alarms that shut off the car after 1 min if you open doors has lead to that they mount you in the vehicle until they are sure you don't have this alarm feature

most commonly is if you have parked your car. They sit and wait and when you come, you get a gun in your face and is ordered to get in the car and drive. This has happened to 2 friends in Guatemala city, so it's not unheard of on in GT city.

Secuestro express is on the rise in CA as well. They jack your car with you in it, then they go to ATM's where you have to make donations to their cause (usually to spend you money). When your cards are empty they leave you behind shining away in your vehicle.

But really it's not that dangerous as long as you watch your back, especially at night. I have pulled my gun 3 times during 7 years, and I move all over, sometimes at night with stuff that is desirable (because of my job).

Once they robbed my backpack when I was sleeping on the beach. I saw him but thought it was beach security.....

All in all, not that bad. At least here in Nic.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Nicaragua
Posts: 28
also, they throw (i don't know the english word for it) manuelitas in spanish and vägryttare in Swedish, the things with spikes that always have one sharp point upwards. That give you a flat tire, hard to spot on gravel roads.
When you stop...

Broken down cars, waiting for help. Usually are broken down cars waiting for help, but you never know.

White people has fame for beeing good victims as we don't fight and just give our stuff away, in general we have this fame as well. Cowards sort of.
The good thing, is that some, far from all, bad guys know that police get more involved in a case if they actually injure a foreigner.

The police don't really care about robberies that much, some do some don't.

Well, that's enough of blabbering from me...
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
August robbery near Agadez? MaryLynne North Africa 0 24 Aug 2006 18:25
Burkina Faso Hijack Gipper Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 18 Mar 2004 16:40
Another robbery in Niger... Chris Scott North Africa 2 23 Feb 2002 15:45

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:00.