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Crime, Kidnappings and Abductions

Be vigilant in following these tips in order to be a less desirable target for criminals and conmen.

  • Follow your intuition; if you feel a bad vibe from somewhere or someone, listen to your gut instinct and remove yourself from the situation.
  • When walking on sidewalks, keep your bag away from the street side, wear the strap cross-body and tuck it securely under your arm to make the bag more difficult for thieves to steal.
  • Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars. If you think a car is following you, do a quick turn and start walking in the opposite direction. If you think you are being followed on foot, cross the road, and if the person follows, go to a busy shop or other public place.
  • Avoid unlit streets and areas that seem deserted and being caught in an unfamiliar area after dark.
  • If you hear any sort of disturbance, head away from the threat or commotion.
  • Abductions often fall into two categories: for profit or sexually motivated.
  • Avoid using ATMs at night since they are frequently targeted for express kidnappings.
  • If you are abducted, try to do the following:
  • If the abductor has a weapon, it’s still better to fight. If they have a gun, run away in a zig-zag motion.
  • Make a scene.
  • Grab onto people and/or objects.
  • Do whatever you need to get away: bite, scratch, kick, hit — whatever inflicts pain. Aim for sensitive spots: eyes, groin, nose, throat or kidneys; stomp on the top of your attacker’s foot or into their knee with your heel.
  • Your elbows, knees, palms and fists are good striking weapons.
  • Be aware that throwing a punch if you aren’t trained is more likely to break your hand than hurt your abductor.
  • Do not stop until there is no chance that the attacker will have the ability to continue attacking.
  • Call on your mobile phone for help. If you can’t call immediately, silence and hide your mobile phone.
  • Look for cameras, and tell your abductor he is being filmed.
  • Lie if it gives you an advantage, such as telling the attacker that you are sick or pregnant or have already called the police.
  • If you are abducted and put in the trunk of a car, see if there is an emergency trunk release to open the trunk from the inside or kick out the lights.

More Women’s Safety Articles

Tips and Advice from Female Travelers at AIG

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

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