On July 13, a church group of approximately 90 youths was attacked in a popular, though secluded hiking area, on the eastern outskirts of Mexico City. The victims were beaten, robbed, and some female minors were raped during the incident.
A similar robbery and rape attack occurred in February 2012 in the same region. Other high profile criminal incidents have occurred in parks and forests near D.F. over the last few years.
In response to Friday’s events, the Mexican Government has increased police vigilance and security measures available to protect parks and camping areas. Seventeen individuals have been arrested in association with the church group attack, with 11 assailants having been fully identified by their victims. The investigation continues.
The Mexican Scouting Association has publically declared the following 11 recreational areas off limits for official scouting activities: La Marquesa, El Ajusco, las faldas del Iztaccíhuatl, San Rafael, Nexcoalango, La Joya, el Cerro El Telapón, La Laguna de Salazar, Llano Grande, las lagunas de Zempoala y Río Frío.
The Scout Association of Mexico issued a statement on the attacks: “Crime is a scourge that unfortunately has become widespread in recent years around the country, which affects not only scouts and campers, but the families of walkers in general. It is important to note that victims of this incident are not members of our Association; however the facts are an urgent call for us to strengthen our security measures.”
The Scouts are currently making the first aid and civil protection in the Basic Training Courses mandatory nationwide.
According the the U.S. Department if State, “as discussed in the Travel Warning for Mexico and the Country Specific Information for Mexico, crime can occur anywhere in Mexico and can often be violent.
The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov The Embassy’s internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.