Kidnap and Extortion

from Clayton's Personal Security Handbook

• Individuals and families can take specific steps to reduce the risk of kidnap.  Consider that most kidnaps for ransom take place on a weekday morning on a public street between the victim’s residence and office or school.  Kidnappers surveil their targets and use a victim’s routine and predictability to their advantage.
• The three most important security measures to avoid being kidnapped are vary routines, be alert and react.
• Vary times, routes, patterns, mode of transportation, locations and any other activity that can be used to predict your presence at a certain place and time.
• Be alert to your surroundings and be suspicious.  Know the typical situation and environment and notice things that are unusual or potentially dangerous.  Take note of suspicions such as a license plate or stranger in the area.
• Know how to react and do something.  If you see someone or something that is suspicious, react immediately.
• Identify the secure havens along your various routes such as a bank, police station or hospital.
• Identify the danger points along your routes: sharp corners, tight curves and other places where you are unable to see several car lengths in front of or behind you.
• Keep your car windows and doors always closed and locked, especially at night and when traveling in high-risk foreign countries.
• If living in a highly dangerous location where kidnaps are common, then alert your family and friends so that each has a sum of money on hand, day and night, in order to provide mutual assistance rapidly.
• Do not share your personal information, such as finances, net worth, investments and business dealings with anyone unless necessary.  Work with your family members and business colleagues to maintain a similar and consistent level of confidentiality.
• Do not respond immediately or directly to extortionists.  Most extortions fade over time.  Notify the police authorities if appropriate.
• Consult a security professional if a kidnap or extortion has been attempted or executed.
• Do not resist armed kidnappers.
• If kidnapped, be patient and do as you are instructed and no more.