Kidnap & Ransom

The following information was given to me by the Diplomatic Police Unit in Nairobi:

Kidnap Prevention

There has been a new development in kidnappings in the Nairobi area in recent months. Kenyans have been kidnapped by Kenyans in the past and this continues. The new development is kidnapping of Internationals where ransom has been demanded and paid.

Kidnapping or hostage taking is a crime that is used for both ideological ends, by terrorists, or monetary gain, by criminals. From the information available on the recent kidnappings in Nairobi, these kidnappings are for ransom.

This type of crime requires planning and coordination and is one of the few non-opportunist crimes affecting the population of Kenya.

Mitigating measures:

At Home

• Identify visitors before opening the door or gate to your premises; if in doubt, don’t open. If visitors are insistent, push the Security alarm to have the Security mobile Response Team respond and handle the visitor. If no security alarm, call the Jurisdictional police (have Police hotline stored in mobile phones).

• Use solid wooden or metal doors and good dead bolt locks.

• Keep windows locked.

• At night, close curtains before turning on lights.

• Erect tall boundaries, walls and fences maximize your security and privacy.

• Keep young children in sight or, if leaving them with someone, ensure that this person is aware that they may be at risk of kidnapping. Ensure that guardians of children have a mobile phone with appropriate contact numbers.

Lighting

• Effective use of lighting can considerably improve your personal safety.

• Consider sensor/timer activated lighting.

• At night, leave a courtesy light on at your front door/gate.

• Always have reserve lights (such as torches or candles) readily available in the residence and in vehicles.

Key Care

• Keep strict control over your keys.

• Do not allow duplicates to be made without your permission.

• If a key is lost, replace lock(s).

• Never conceal keys outside the premises or where anyone would know where they are.

• Always be vigilant and report anything suspicious to your Jurisdictional Police and Security Provider.

Traveling

By vehicle:

• Be alert, especially when leaving or entering your home/premises.

• Vary your routes and times of journeys.

• Travel with company, (in convoy) where possible.

• Report any suspicious vehicles or people to Police or the Security Provider.

• If you think you are being followed; go to the nearest public area (shopping mall, well lit petrol station, Police Post; avoid becoming isolated).

• Be suspicious of anyone trying to get you to stop or leave your vehicle.

• Always, keep windows closed and doors locked.

• When stopping; do not allow yourself to be boxed in, leave enough room to maneuver.

• When parking, do not leave anything in your vehicle that may identify you or your business.

• Try to avoid parking anywhere that may become dark or isolated before your return.

Walking

• Avoid walking after hours of darkness.

• Keep to busy, brightly lit areas where possible.

• Avoid short cuts across waste ground, deserted parks and unlit alleys.

• Be alert to your surroundings.

If A Kidnapping Occurs

• Your only job is to survive.

• At the time of your seizure, do not attempt to fight back. The first 15 to 45 minutes are the most dangerous.

• Do not play the hero; do not talk back or act “tough.”

• Fear is a normal reaction.

• Try to relax, pause, take a deep breath and accept the situation.

• Keep a low profile.

• Be cooperative without appearing either servile or antagonistic.

• Follow the instructions of your captors.

• Never beg, plead or cry.

• Do not make threats against your captors or indicate that you would testify against them.

• Avoid appearing to study your captor’s features, dress and mannerisms.

• Try to gain your captors’ respect and try to build rapport with them.

• An excellent topic of discussion is family and children.

• Encourage your captors to let the authorities know your condition and whereabouts.

• Take care of yourself; exercise, stay well groomed, eat and drink even if you are not hungry.

• Be patient and mentally prepared for isolation.

• Focus your mind on pleasant scenes, memories or prayers.

• Do not attempt to escape unless you are certain you will be successful.

• If there is a rescue attempt by force, drop to the floor and keep your hands over your head.

• Once the situation stabilizes identify yourself to the rescuers.

If anyone has any additions or comments we welcome your comments.