Job Discussion Forums

raulyn · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 64 Location: D.F.

Well, I lived in NYC for 10 years, 4 of them were in the Bronx, and I had never been mugged. Last week, three delinquents tried to. They surrounded me on the subway stairs and acted like they had guns under their shirts. They told me to be calm and just hand over the bag.

I am from a very gun-liberal state in the USA. I have owned guns and of course have seen many guns. I knew they didn't have one. I did quickly scan for anything that might resemble a knife or a blade. Fortunately, they didn't have any such item.

I am not a small man. So, having the laws of physics on my side, I hit one in the face and pulled the guys down the stairs and made it back into the subway station. They were quite angry that they didn't make off with anything and one jumped from the stairs and hit me in the head with his fist.

I went to the security officers near the turnstiles and proceeded to tell them what happened. A very old man who watched the event did the same. The officers, physically much larger in girth than me, responded with a ... "eh...h be careful..."

The old man shamed them. Told them it was their job to help me. That the wanna-be-muggers yelled that they would be waiting for me when I came out of the subway.

So, the officers escorted me and the old man out of the subway. Once top-side, they looked around. The scoundrels were no where to be seen. The officers asked how far I had to walk. I replied 2 blocks. Then they said to be careful or take a cab.

So.... My intention in writing this is to ask those of you in Mexico City if a stun gun is legal. I intend to be more careful in traveling home from school at night. I got a locker to keep my books in. I am sure the robbers saw a guy with slacks, tie, and full book bag and thought "LAPTOP!!!"

I have searched for a stun gun online, and have seen they are all sold outside of the city. This makes me believe they are not legal here, much like NYC. Anyone here know of the statutes about personal defense items in Mexico City?

Professor · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 449 Location: Mexico City

Sorry to hear about your experience with the three human parasites, but at least you weren't hurt. I will check into the stun gun issue for you but I can tell you for sure that you are allowed to use pepper spray or mace. A lawyer friend of mine here in DF told me because I asked him directly. I'm still trying to find a palce that sells pepper spray though. I used to visit DF for the Holidays and found some at Sanborn's but they no longer sell it.
I believe there is a place near the Zocalo but I don't care to go to that part of the city. Once I find a place I will let you know. In the meantime you may want to try and be very aware of your surroundings. Perhaps study a martial art.

My lawyer friend here in DF also told me that if I had to hurt someone in order to prevent myself from being robbed,then I could do it. He said that he tells people to walk away after it's over.Most of the time he said the cops here in DF won't care if the robbers look like human trash.

leslie · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 235

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

There are one or two gun shops in the zocalo area. I believe one is on Palmas street or very close by. I have walked by it many times without giving it much notice.
There are also a few shops in town that sell outfitters gear, paramilitary clothing, camping equipment etc. I believe there is one such place at the metro Allende, again in the zocalo neighborhood.

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

The pepper spray brand name is SABRE. It comes in two sizes. It is hanging on the wall in a paramilitary supply shop in Metro Allende, next stop over from Zocalo.
There are four entrances to the metro. You want to enter from the side for Cuatro Caminos only and the entrance closer to the zocalo itself. The shop is distinguished by dozens of camouflage fatigues, hats, and boots hanging on its outside. Good luck!

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Be careful to note wind direction when using pepper spray or results may not be what you had anticipated.

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

As a good friend of mine learned quite well years ago when sitting in a bar and insisted I show him my pepper spray. He wanted to dab himself with a light spray and nearly flooded his eyes.

awest · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 34 Location: DF

There are several things to keep in mind with a stun gun. I was a police officer for 18 years prior to moving here to Mexico to teach. If you carry a stun gun they are not always accurate with power, you have to be close to your perpetrator (and well distance is key...keep your distance), and if they would take control of it you are now the one getting stunned and let me tell you it hurts like #@!*.

I know you don't want to lose your items but I have a rule. My life is much more important than anything that I own.

If you must get physical with someone remember the three important areas....Groin, Nose, Knees. Don't stick around to see if it hurt them, RUN.

Well good luck and I'm sorry you had a bad experience.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:09 pm Post subject: Re: Self defense

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:15 pm Post subject: