Kidnap Avoidance – Move off the X
Never underestimate the value of introducing an element of randomness to your behavior when traveling in high-risk environments. Examples of high-risk environments include countries at war or neighboring the war, politically charged foreign cities or countries, cities or countries nationally and internationally known for active drug cartels, drug trafficking, human trafficking etc.
Kidnapping is a crime that requires forethought, planning, and surveillance. Kidnappers typically follow a set sequence, from considering the level of difficulty in identifying a potentially valuable target, to determining when that target is vulnerable and distracted (either unwilling or unable to flee), and finally, to planning the abduction for a place and time that allows them to escape with the target—undetected. Such a feat requires surveillance, planning, personnel, and equipment.
Travelers conducting business in high-risk environments, who establish a routine for even a few days, greatly increase the risk of presenting themselves as targets for kidnap. The following are some routine behaviors that should be avoided:
- Spending multiple nights in the same hotel
- Having set hours: departing and returning to the hotel at the same time each day
- Using the same mode of transportation each day
- Daily travel to the same destination
- Travel by the same route each day
- Dining at the same hour of the day
- Dining at the same restaurant each day
- Dropping by the lounge or fitness center at the same time each day
A kidnapper in almost every situation must conduct surveillance prior to an attack. Surveillance provides the attacker necessary information to plan his attack at a time and place that provides the highest probability of success and the lowest risk of detection. That precise point in time is when you are standing on the X. Once the attacker determines your routine and understands your most vulnerable time and location, your risk of kidnap goes up dramatically because you are easily located “on the X”.
The simple act of frequently changing your routine demonstrates your lack of predictability and makes planning a successful attack difficult, greatly increasing the risk of detection and apprehension to the attacker. You become a difficult target and the attacker is likely to move on to a more predictable victim.
So, when business takes you to high-risk environments, simply “move off the X” for added security.
 Kathy LeodlerChief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555 |
 Paul LeodlerExecutive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180 |
We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.