State Dept Advisory Issued Today

99% of this is COMMON SENSE however I thought I wold post it anyway.

Message from the U.S. Embassy in Colombia

Due to recent security incidents involving U.S. citizens in Bogotá and
other urban areas in Colombia, the Embassy reminds American citizens in
Colombia of the importance of paying attention to their personal
security. Although there is no indication that Americans have been targeted
strictly because of their nationality, it is likely that they have
recently been targets because of their behavior and perceived affluence.

The Embassy urges you to follow these safety recommendations:

* Be cautious when using automatic teller machines. If you use an ATM
in a public area, pick a well-lit machine and be aware of anyone who
may be watching you.

* Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Stay alert to what is
going on around you when you are out in public. Be especially aware of
unmarked or otherwise suspicious motorcycles. Recent attempted
robberies have occurred when victims were approached from behind by assailants
on motorcycles with no license plates or license vest.

* If confronted with an attempted robbery, do not resist. Remember
that possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot.

* Carry only what you need. Avoid wearing or carrying purses, bulky
wallets, bags, flashy jewelry, or other items that attract attention.

Americans living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with
the nearest U.S. Consulate through the Department of State's travel
registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov
. Please include your e-mail
address in the information you provide.

All U.S. citizens living or traveling in Colombia should make sure they
are familiar with the security recommendations contained in the U.S.
Department of State's travel warning and consular information sheet for
Colombia. These documents and other travel information can be found at
www.travel.state.gov. Additional information on travel in Colombia may
be obtained from the Department of State by calling toll-free
1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or toll (202) 501-4444 from
overseas. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida El Dorado and Carrera
50; telephone (011-57-1) 315-0811 during business hours (8:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.), or 315-2109/2110 for emergencies during non-business hours.
The Consular Agency in Barranquilla, which provides some limited
consular services, is located at Calle 77B, No. 57-141, Piso 5, Centro
Empresarial Las Americas, Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia; telephone
(011-57-5) 353-2001.

By BAQ on Sep 26, 2005, 15:58 in Friendly Talkzone.

BAQ says on Sep 26, 2005, 20:28:

It appears that this advisory was prompted by the murder of an American last Wednesday while being robbed at an ATM.

Semper Fidelis !

calipro says on Sep 26, 2005, 21:47:

BAQ "It appears that this advisory was prompted by the murder of an American last Wednesday while being robbed at an ATM."

I would hate to put a damper on the wild speculation that sometimes grips this board. hehehe!!!

But I would be surprised as hell if anyone was actually shot inside of Andinos.

Does anybody have a link to a news artical about this?

kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 27, 2005, 00:26:

I read it few days ago, in on I read it few days ago, in in El Tiempo, but was under Bogota, and noticias breves de Bogota adn it was a local saying what happened not a proper article. but it didn't said in the andino, somewhere near though.

Now those advice, I would recommende it not just for foreigner but for every-one

engage brain before opening mouth

kernow62 says on Sep 27, 2005, 04:02:

I think we are missing the fact that this person supposedly resisted handing over the money. That is the first thing police will tell you, whether in Colombia, US, UK or wherever, DO NOT RESIST.