Comments on: Street crime in Buenos Aires

By: Benedikte

Benedikte — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:02:12 +0000

I just returned from Buenos Aires- was waiting for a taxi outside the apartment I had been renting – the taxi was late- I had two big suitcases filled with instruments and a bagpack with passport, green card, airplane ticket, money, computer etc. A person came up and asked if I needed a hotel – I said no- that was a distraction- somebody stole my bagpack while I answered – the police did not want to come and help- nobody on the street was hepful – I warn everyone that goes to Buenos Aires to keep everything on your body in pockets- not in bags or visible- do not talk to anyone you do not know- do not look like a tourist in any way- a very disappointing experience with consequenses- I had to wait for several days for letter of transportation at the US Embassy and I also had to get a passport on the Danish embassy. And get a new airplane ticket. Not a great experience.

By: Ian

Ian — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:21:59 +0000

I am a frequent traveller to Latin America and I often advise friends to avoid Buenos Aires. My advice to travelers in Buenos Aires is to dress down and take safe taxis while avoiding walking if possible unless it is in a very upscale part. I personally choose to carry a knife and a collapsable truncheon whenever I do have to walk there. I’ve lost track of how many street crimes I have witnessed. Aside from cheap leather goods, there is little of interest in this city as it is an impoverished graffiti filled shabby imitation of a European city. If Buenos Aires were a woman then she would be one of those typical middle aged Argentines with the cheap peroxide blonde hair, she is desperately trying to look young and European while fooling no one. Buenos Aires offers nothing you can’t find elsewhere. If observing and studying street crime is your hobby then is is a great destination.

By: Barry Carr

Barry Carr — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:15:17 +0000

I’ve got to agree with John. Handing over your money is feeding the hand that bites you. My experience, even here in the U.S. is that streets are safest when citizens are willing and prepared to defend themselves. It isn’t pretty, but it is the truth.

By: John Jones

John Jones — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:55:35 +0000

We were in BA two years ago. Two muggers approached us in broad daylight near Florida Street. I carry a switchblade strapped to my leg and another large switchblade in my pocket. When the mugger tried to take my watch, I sliced off his nose. The other mugger started to run; I chased him and cut his face with two strokes. That is the way top handle street criminals in BA

By: Bambi

Bambi — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:50:31 +0000

If you’re thinking of going to Buenos Aires, please read OSAC’s “Argentina 2009 Crime and Safety Report” dated 8/19/09. OSAC is the U.S. Government’s Overseas Security Advisory Council.

The report is here: http://bit.ly/OvKqu

Specifically, OSAC suggests that everyone carry US$100-200 or equivalent in Argentinian pesos, because “Criminals in Argentina frequently resort to violence if they perceive a victim is being uncooperative or if the target does not have anything worth stealing. Those without money to offer thieves are most likely to be attacked or beaten. If confronted, offer no resistance and immediately hand over everything demanded.”

By: Bambi

Bambi — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:56:20 +0000

Instead of avoiding Buenos Aires, Kathy, it’s better to go PREPARED. The age-old advice, dress down, is timeless and should be taken seriously. A tennis bracelet—isn’t that basically a string of diamonds? Doesn’t matter if they’re fake; the thief can’t tell. He sees diamonds, or flash, and it translates to “wealthy foreigner.” He may look you up and down and decide to go for your purse or wallet. He may bide his time and wait for an opportunity, if you look like you’re worth it. Dress down, don’t give the thieves easy opportunities, and at least you won’t be a magnet to them.

On the other hand, if you decide to skip Buenos Aires because of street crime, you’ll skip many of the world’s greatest cities. Buenos Aires is not unique, as the stories in this blog prove.

Dress down, don’t give thieves an easy opportunity, and research your destination before you go.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:46:51 +0000

My husband and I have visited BA several times over the last 10 years. (We enjoy and dance Tango)
The last time we were mugged in broad daylight in San Martin park across from the Marriott.
We were sitting on a bench, the park was crowded with people. Two men attacked us and stole my husbands watch (which was hidden under a tEnnis braclet) and the other man tried to get my watch, but I bent my body forward covering the watch. A third mugger was waiting to help their escape on a motor bike We met another couple who were also mugged in broad daylight on the most busy street in BA.
The tourist police (in orange vests) are a farce. They only make their location obvious to the muggers, What is needed are undercover police posing as tourists.
If you go to the American Embassy you will find many Americans waiting for days, for a replacement passport, because they were robbed of thier money, jewlery, and travel documents. – BE WARNED – THIS WILL HAPPEN TO YOU. – IT IS BETTER TO AVOID BUENOS AIRES.

By: Bambi

Bambi — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:42:33 +0000

Oh, gotta see that. I like Steve Martin. Thanks!

By: Rick

Rick — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:58:04 +0000

Steve Martin. LA Story. Victoria Tennant. Richard E Grant. They’ve just been to dinner at l’Idiot (run by Patrick Stewart) and are at an ATM. The people waiting to use the ATM are lined up at one side. There’s another line at the other side…

Sounds like the directive’s implying things are getting that bad.

The people on the other side of the ATM are queuing up to rob the people one by one as they get their cash. Martin gets his cash and the next robber pops up, baseball cap and hippie locks, toting a revolver.

‘Hi! I’m Bob and I’ll be your robber tonight!’

Martin smiles as if this is all both pleasant and expected, hands over the cash, and he and Tennant and Grant are on their way again. Just a typical evening in modern life.