Tips that may help reduce the risk of becoming victims of kidnappers:

  1.
 Vary your routine as much as practicable.  The more predictable your movements and schedules, the easier it is for a kidnapper to plan and execute your abduction.  This applies as much to places of leisure and entertainment as it does to places of worship, shopping, or schooling.
2.
Consider making your kids use designated school buses instead of your car.
3.
 Drivers should always be on the lookout for a stubbornly trailing vehicle, and be aware that they are especially vulnerable during the few seconds they stop to open a gate and drive into premises.
4.
 If you suspect you are being followed, drive to a safe place where help is near.  It is best to pre-designate such a place in your neighbourhood, just in case - a police station, busy hotel or restaurant, or even back to the expressway, but never into a cul-de-sac.  Have somebody in the car call Security for assistance.
5.
 If you must travel through isolated roadways, choose a time of day when the area is likely to have more traffic.  Use reliable transportation, because you are very likely to be kidnapped, robbed, or hurt if you should stop to fix a car problem.
6.
 The risk is the same if you stop for a 'bathroom break'.  Ensure that you and your family members, especially children, use the bathroom at home before you embark on a trip.
7.
Do not make fuel stops in isolated roadways.
8.
 Rather than taking your children to salons fix their hair for hours, consider having the service provided in your home by a trusted provider, even if you have to pay a little more.
9.
Review the security tips shared at the office with members of your household, and ensure they know the phone number to call in a security emergency.
10.
Don't hesitate to call your Security contact for advice or guidance if required.


If you live in an area with high kidnap incident rates, there is always a possibility that you could already be a target, or that you or your family members are being developed as targets.  Anything you do to make surveillance with criminal intent more difficult can reduce the chances of your becoming a victim.



_Ruwase BP.