This email was forwarded to me from a forum member. As best I can tell, it's perfectly legit, although I haven't been in Penasco to verify any of this. I'm posting it to let everyone know to stay alert.
I know I often travel after dark at this time of year due to the short days. I'm usually not by myself in my truck, but I am often the only vehicle on the road for miles at a time. May be worth slowing down a bit and traveling with a group of others you see heading down the road.
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*Dear Bella Sirena Homeowners,*
Unfortunately, I need to share with you a disturbing incident that occurred to the family of fellow Bella Sirena homeowners on their trip to Penasco on Saturday, December 26, 2009. When they were about five miles south of Sonoita at about 5:40 PM, they were carjacked. Their SUV with all its contents was taken by armed men. Very shortly thereafter, they were picked up by American travelers and taken back to the border and were later taken to Penasco by the police. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
I have spoken with several authorities about this incident. There is unprecedented cooperation going on between the police in Sonoita and Penasco and the state police and governor’s office in Sonora. They are very hopeful that they will be able to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime quickly.
I felt that it was my duty to make you aware of this incident. My husband and I traveled to Penasco on Sunday, December 27 at midday and had no problems whatsoever. Perhaps the following tips may make our travels to Rocky Point safer:
1. Travel during daylight hours if possible.
2. If traveling at night, travel in groups. If you are not with a group, wait at the border until other Americans cross and then ask to caravan with them. There is always safety in numbers.
3. The emergency number in Mexico is 066 (equal to 911 in the US).
I have spent a great deal of time and effort finding out as much as possible about this incident before communicating it to the community. Primarily, I wanted to ensure that I had all the facts so not to inadvertently alarm anyone with misrepresentations related to the incident. I certainly love coming to Rocky Point and am not suggesting anyone stay away. Incidents like this can happen anywhere, even in our own country. I just feel that it is important to remind ourselves that when traveling anywhere, whether in the US or in any foreign country, that we must always be vigilant and use reasonable precautionary measures.
Jean Danzer
Bella Sirena HOA President
***************
I know I often travel after dark at this time of year due to the short days. I'm usually not by myself in my truck, but I am often the only vehicle on the road for miles at a time. May be worth slowing down a bit and traveling with a group of others you see heading down the road.
************************
*Dear Bella Sirena Homeowners,*
Unfortunately, I need to share with you a disturbing incident that occurred to the family of fellow Bella Sirena homeowners on their trip to Penasco on Saturday, December 26, 2009. When they were about five miles south of Sonoita at about 5:40 PM, they were carjacked. Their SUV with all its contents was taken by armed men. Very shortly thereafter, they were picked up by American travelers and taken back to the border and were later taken to Penasco by the police. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
I have spoken with several authorities about this incident. There is unprecedented cooperation going on between the police in Sonoita and Penasco and the state police and governor’s office in Sonora. They are very hopeful that they will be able to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime quickly.
I felt that it was my duty to make you aware of this incident. My husband and I traveled to Penasco on Sunday, December 27 at midday and had no problems whatsoever. Perhaps the following tips may make our travels to Rocky Point safer:
1. Travel during daylight hours if possible.
2. If traveling at night, travel in groups. If you are not with a group, wait at the border until other Americans cross and then ask to caravan with them. There is always safety in numbers.
3. The emergency number in Mexico is 066 (equal to 911 in the US).
I have spent a great deal of time and effort finding out as much as possible about this incident before communicating it to the community. Primarily, I wanted to ensure that I had all the facts so not to inadvertently alarm anyone with misrepresentations related to the incident. I certainly love coming to Rocky Point and am not suggesting anyone stay away. Incidents like this can happen anywhere, even in our own country. I just feel that it is important to remind ourselves that when traveling anywhere, whether in the US or in any foreign country, that we must always be vigilant and use reasonable precautionary measures.
Jean Danzer
Bella Sirena HOA President
***************
