We're visiting SD for the first time and staying in Mission Beach. I was telling friends that we've rented a convertible car. They commented on how easy it is to be car jacked or robbed in a convertible. This thought crossed my mind, but was hoping SD was nothing like LA, so we'd be okay. I know crime is everywhere, but are there areas in SD that we really want to avoid? Thank you.

I don't understand why it would be easier to be carjacked in a convertible. I guess it would be easier to rob a convertible if you mean that it would be easier to hack through the top than it would be to get through a regular car roof, but that's still a lot of work and would call for tools that most urban thugs don't carry around with them every day. Could you ask your friend why they think this? Why do you believe them?

I guess it would be easier if the top were down....

I've driven all over SD in a convertible and never had an issue or any real fears.

Yes, it is easier for someone to steal something out of your car when the top is down than in a non-convertble - just reach in when you are stopped at a light. So you have to be a little more mindful of leaving your purse on the seat and that sort of thing.

Carjacking - I don't think it is a particular problem in SD.

Other precautions are about the same regardless of the car - nothing of value visible in the car when you are parked, etc.

If you plan on driving into Tijuana you might have a problem, otherwise it won't be a problem.

You're right: San Diego is "nothing like LA."

In San Diego when they car jack you they say "please" when they order you out of the car.

BTW..for south of the border..take the trolley to San Isidro and walk across.

Are the friends with the scary advice living in San Diego?

Yes there are areas in San Diego that you might want to avoid, especially if you are driving with the top down. Logan Heights, the area east of the Coronado Bridge, San Ysidro, and others. Its unlikely you'll be there as a tourist though.

Icuy has it right...and yes we have carjacking ..altho at this point they want the gas..

I usualy don't post strongly worded suggestions but in this case Pls do not for any reason crosss US/Mexico border at San Deigo.

There are currently alot of US crime victims along with violent drug and nondrug related deaths..Tijuana in particular.. is very dangerous right now. It is not being widely publicized as Mexico does not want to lose Tourism..however if you go you will be a target for sure becuase most San Diegans know not to...

In general, San Diego has less crime, especially street crime against persons, that most other large US cities.

Yah! San Diego, my hometown. The Finest City in America. However, you would be foolish to leave things in a convertible or a hardtop that can be seen in any town. Be aware of where you are, notice what is happening around you, I do this regardless of where I am. It is called common sense. Stay away from Tijuana, Mexico, they are shooting each other down there. You'll are safe up here.

Go to Balboa Park they have many musums there, the Zoo, and the Old Globe Theater. Head for La Jolla Cove or Coronado, great places to have fun. Hundreds of restaurants, take high tea at the Avair in Carlsbad and then see America's Lego Land. Check out the Del Mar horse races you'll love it.

There is plenty to see and do here and you will have a wonderful time. Just be careful. If you are party people and drink, don"t drive.

Come enjoy my town.

I'm gonna go against the flow here and disagree on Tijuana. I lived in San Diego for almost twenty years and crossed the border countless times to visit TJ. Never once did I have any problems. The Mexicans want U.S. tourists and most go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Visit Avenida Revolucion, see the bullring, etc. I've been all over the city, including the dirt poor east side many times, and have always been treated respectfully. And I'm an average white boy. I will agree on taking the trolley, because the traffic crossing back into the U.S. at San Ysidro can be brutal (can take up to two or three hours in line).

Linelock, I'm guessing you no longer live in San Diego. I used to go to Tijuana and Puerto Nuevo, etc. frequently, but not in the last ten years. It's a very dangerous place for Americans now. Too many kidnappings and shootings. None of my friends go anymore either.

RE: the convertible and carjacking - don't leave valuables in the car, lock the doors, and if you put shopping bags, etc in the trunk, move the car. Just common sense practices so you are not an easy target.

RE: Tijuana - don't go. American tourists are targets and you don't have the same rights there. Other parts of Mexico can be nice vacation places - but TJ is not one of them. Rosarito is heading that way as well. ESPECIALLY don't drive a car down there. But I'd take the advice you've been given and stay north of the border.

Balboa Park, Old Town, etc are wonderful places ot hang out and visit. We did a weekend down there last year and had a blast - check out www.trolleytours.com and enjoy the sights! SD is a great area!

First, the problems in Tijuana are "political", the worst thing that happens is trying to figure out how to drive their streets.

Common sense as far as the convertable goes. Put your valuables in plain sight, you're taking chances. You'll see a random homeless guy in Mission Beach, but it's mostly people barbecuing or going to the beach.

Do the trolley tour from Old Town and hop on and off all day. It takes you to the basic attractions. Or you can take the San Diego trolley for 5 dollars all day which runs pretty late and use SDcommute to plan out where you want to go.

You probably won't go into any of the "bad" areas if you have specific places to go and have it mapped out.

Usually the media is to blame for carjacking. Some kid sitting at home gets the lightbulb lit when he hears about it. Cars are broken into but it's been a really long time since I heard anything anywhere about someone forcing someone out of a car.