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Dealing With Patrols & Roadblocks
{For Survival in an Occupied City}


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Dealing With Patrols & Roadblocks 
Scenario:
	You need to get across town, but travel is restricted. The city is heavily patrolled by 
	"The Regime" and each neighborhood is cordoned off by Regime troops. What are 
	you going to do?
Urban Evasion
	Source: http://www.anti-state.com/article.php?article_id=147 
URBAN EVASION
Self-control is of paramount importance.  Think every problem through rather than panicking. Pain, discomfort and 
other unpleasant conditions must be accepted as normal should this situation be forced upon you. Knowledge of 
escape, evasion and survival techniques will increase your chances tremendously.
Personality is one of the most important factors in an evasive situation. Regardless of the traits you enjoy in 
today's world, in an evasive situation you must be decisive, adaptable, calm and optimistic but realistic. Remember 
the alternative is living a large portion or the remainder of your life in a jail cell. You must be able to cope with 
isolation and be able to assess and predict the actions of others.
One method of surviving is to remain in a city. Many people do not know anything other than city life, and to 
venture out of the city is not something they would do.
One way of surviving is by becoming a vagrant. Derelict housing can provide a good spot to go to ground.
This may not be as easy as it sounds. In many cities there is a well developed underworld of vagrants and 
drop-outs and your arrival among them will not go unnoticed. The vagrants may include informers or drug addicts 
who are easy targets for pressure by the police.  Be cautious.  If confronted, an effective approach would be to 
pretend you are insane.
Posing as a vagrant, you will have a better chance of bluffing your way out of a stop and search check by the 
police.  Do not try it unless you are caught with no place to flee.  Carry no identification and choose a weapon that 
is concealable or not in itself harmful e.g. a screwdriver or a chisel.
Foraging for food is easy in a wealthy environment, as long as you are prepared to examine the contents of cafe, 
restaurant or theater garbage bins. Garbage bins are an excellent source of food and useful items. You can use 
the lid to sort through the stuff, or lay it out on some paper so that you do not make a mess. If you leave a mess 
every time you raid a shop's bins, eventually they will decide to confront you or try and have you arrested.  Try to 
leave the top layer close to the condition that you found it in, leave as little sign of you being there as possible. 
Locate water fountains in obscure locations and use them for your source of water.
This type of behavior will also add to your cover as a vagrant.
If you can degenerate to a low enough level you will become an unlikely suspect. You may have problems 
with your health if you adopt this technique.  Heat kills most pathogenic organism, those that make you sick.  Boil 
the water you use if it is not on the cities water system.  If at all possible, heat the food you find as hot as you can 
without burning it.  If you cannot heat the food hot, but you can heat it some, keep the food hot as long as you can.
A long period of medium heat will kill as well as a short period of high heat.  You must heat the food over 150 
degrees to have any effect.  Any temperature lower than this can cause the food to be worse for your system 
rather than better.
A mid-way approach to evasion is to adopt the 'gray man' technique. Here you aim to have as anonymous an 
appearance as possible. Clothing should be neutral, and your behavior will have to be that of a 'solid citizen' - 
such people do not sit around in public parks or search through garbage bins. They are on their way to or from 
work. You will be less likely to be questioned by bored members of the police force using this technique.
A large city can be a very anonymous place. Citizens keep to themselves, and as long as your manner and 
appearance do not attract attention you can move about fairly freely. Always shave go through the garbage bins 
to find used razors if need be, unshaven men always attract attention. Trains, entertainment centers, etc. can 
offer protection from the weather by day and sometimes by night. Be careful, evasion is not helped by standing 
around.
Always move at night, it is easier to hide at night if you are being pursued. Infrared tracking that can be used to 
find you in a countryside is not as effective in a densely populated environment. Too many warm bodies.
If you must move in the day, be confident. Always look as if you know where you are going. Don't loiter or appear 
furtive. If you can get a bicycle, do so, but assess the risk first. Keep away from stations or bus terminals. Avoid 
children, they are not bound by grown-up conventions of social behavior. If they see something peculiar, they will 
point it out loudly. 
None of this is appealing, but it is effective. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to ask yourself what 
could you do to turn the tables on those that hunt you.
November 5, 2001
Jason Smith has a degree in Microbiology and has worked as the Quality Assurance Manager and head of R and 
D for major food companies.  Currently, due to the great state of our economy, he drives a truck for a living. 
Response:
Did you see "Strange Weapons" on Modern Marvels? You are talking about evading the forces of "the regime".  
That will depend to some extent on the size of the city in which you live, won't it?  
Also, your neighbors might be "persuaded" to inform on you as quickly as some strangers who don't like your 
coming into "their" territory.  I know some of my neighbors are not to be trusted. How about the group putting 
together a list of pros & cons for staying IN a city.  Obviously, you'd have shelter, clothing, modern 
plumbing/sanitation, and possibly reliable transportation.   
Your job might be a good reason to stay. You might have family or close friends who cannot even consider 
leaving. Loyalty may keep you close by. 
If "the regime" controls access to medical care, what would be other incentives to staying in the city, assuming one 
could leave?  Foraging would be easier outside the city.  
Another thing I don't like is the fact that you will probably be more exposed to whatever diseases are likely to crop 
up if you stay in the city. 
Reply:
	Did you see "Strange Weapons" on Modern Marvels?
	Yes. I watched it four times, so far. I think it's pretty cool - and not at all threatening. 
	First, these weapons are for use only against hostile, aggressive or downright violent 
	targets. Which we would never be stupid enough to appear as, right? Second, each 
	of these "super-weapons" has inherent design/usage flaws and each, to varying 
	degrees may be countered. All of them may be countered by not being in a position for 
	them to be used against you. If they ARE being used against you, knowledge of the 
	weapon system and how it operates provides several counters.
	You are talking about evading the forces of "The Regime".  That will depend to 
	some extent on the size of the city in which you live, won't it?  Also, your 
	neighbors might be "persuaded" to inform on you as quickly as some strangers 
	who don't like your coming into "their" territory.  I know some of my neighbors 
	are not to be trusted.
	Sadly, this is too true. I do not advocate informing others of my preparations unless I feel 
	they can be trusted. Even then I would hesitate. I might discuss preparation with people I 
	believe are honestly interested, or who ask for advise, but the extent of my declaration of 
	personal preparedness would be something non-descriptive and, basically, inane. On the 
	internet, I encourage EVERYBODY to prepare for any perceived threat, and, more 
	importantly, to prepare themselves to become SELF-RELIANT through knowledge and 
	practice of skills... and always add the caveat that you can store up all the supplies in the 
	world, but what are you going to do if/when they are taken away from you? Can you survive 
	without all those goodies?
	How about the group putting together a list of pros & cons for staying IN a city. 
	I have no problem with that. I think it would be interesting and insightful - though it may be a 
	source of heated debate, we cannot solve problems without debate.
	Obviously, you'd have shelter, clothing, modern plumbing/sanitation, and possibly 
	reliable transportation.   Your job might be a good reason to stay.  You might have 
	family or close friends who cannot even consider leaving. Loyalty may keep you 
	close by.
	Yes, and it really all comes down to the apparent threat imposed by external forces vs. the 
	compelling reasons to put up with that threat.
	If "the regime" controls access to medical care, what would be other incentives to 
	staying in the city, assuming one could leave?  Foraging would be easier outside 
	the city.  
	Another thing I don't like is the fact that you will probably be more exposed to 
	whatever diseases are likely to crop up if you stay in the city.
	Oh, my, yes. The "human jungle" is fraught with far more dangers than any animal jungle. . . 
	unless you are incapable of operating in nature's jungle, yet entirely familiar with and capable 
	of dealing with urban life. It's a trade-off. I would not choose to live in an occupied city, nor 
	would I choose to live in a city under any repressive government. Heck, I would not choose to 
	live in a major city in the best of times, much less troubled ones. But some people must, which 
	is the purpose of this group - to help those who must.
Urban Escape & Evasion Hides
	This article reads like something out of a video game. The reason I am posting it, however is that it does highlight the importance of KNOWING YOUR 
SURROUNDINGS. If your are going to live in an occupied city, you must know how and where to hide when they come 
looking for you - and 	these people aren't playing a simple game of hide-and-seek. If you get tagged in this game, you are not 
"it" but you most definitely may be "out." Permanently. As cheesy as the following article is, it does provide some hints as a 
basis for future articles on more practical evasion techniques. 
	The major flaw is that each of the locations this article outlines as a "hide" are OBVIOUS and most likely the first 
place the troops of "The Regime" will be searching. On the other hand, the advise to be aware of your surroundings and 
automatically search out avenues of escape is quite profound.
	Source: 
	http://www.urbanevasion.com/escape-and-evasion-techniques/145-urban-escape-and-evasion-hides 
Urban Escape and Evasion Hides
When entering a new city or just starting out one must search for and document escape and evasion locations or 
hides. This is especially true if one lives in the city or has an extended operation in such city.
Possible locations
Possible locations that are well suited for hides are Parking Garages - both above and belowground. Unoccupied 
or abandoned factories and buildings also make good hides with proper planning. Also consider areas of occupied 
buildings that are no longer used such as utility access rooms, HVAC buildings and basements/storage rooms. The 
parking garage locations may be better suited for night hides as most are closed after normal business hours. One
can map out the security camera system during normal business hours to show blind zones where one can enter. 
Once inside parking garages offer numerous hide zones including the stairwells, fire sprinkler utility rooms and 
level breaks that usually have dead zones. These parking garages may not be suited for a long term hide but offer 
excellent concealment for a night or two and are immediately accessible in the inner city.
			
Abandoned buildings are best suited for both day and night access. They also offer excellent concealment for a 
long-term hide if the necessary planning is conducted before choosing the location. Most abandoned building are 
located at the edge of town or in a heavily industrial/commercial zoned part of town. They are also located in the 
"bad" parts of town. The abandoned building located in the Ghetto should be avoided at all costs due to the heavy 
police activity and heavy drug/illegal activities during all hours of the day and night. Such activity could easily 
identify a hide and compromise the location. Thus leaving the commercial/industrial area of the city best suited for 
locating abandoned buildings for long-term hides. Most industrial/ commercial sectors shut down at around 5:00pm.
They are virtual ghosts towns after this time and during holidays and weekends.
  
Abandoned buildings offer the freedom of entering them at will and setting up a hide that best suits your needs. A 
small room or area of the building can be isolated. Supplies such as food and water caches can be stored. Comfort
items such as inflatable mattresses or bedrolls can be hidden for later use. Avenues of approach and escape and 
be cleared or concealed for later use.
Pre deployment intelligence of the building can be gathered before choosing which one to use. The local 
courthouse can identify owners, liens and foreclosure information. The local urban planning and development 
department can identify future land use plans or demolition permits. Building permits can also be found to identify 
future use plans or renovations. Such intelligence can be used to pick the right abandoned building for use as an 
urban escape and evasion hide.
Getting to the location
How easily accessible is the location? What routes will be taken to get to the hide? Who will spot you entering or 
exiting? Can it be accessed during the day or should it only be accessed during the night. Also look out for security
cameras. Security cameras from neighboring buildings and business could be used to spot your hide or at least 
film you entering or exiting.
Escape routes from the location
All escape and evasion locations must have at least 3 avenues of escape. Whether it is by foot, vehicle or water 
there must be a way out. Careful consideration must be taken in both planning the location of the hide and 
planning the escape from the hide if one is discovered.
	
Make a plan
Once the proper locations are identified they must be recorded on a map or notebook/PDA if one cannot 
remember all the details of the escape and evasion plan. Writing plans out helps build memory and uncover 
unforeseen issues. Precautions must be taken so these plans are not discovered. These precautions can include 
password protection and encryption, or just hiding the written plans where no one searching can discover them. 
The plans should include location of each hide, how it is accessed, what area precautions must be taken (cameras 
nearby, dogs down the street, etc) and a detailed description of each of the three escape routes from the hide. 
The hides may also be daisy chained with proper planning. An example of this is Location #1 using escape routes 
A, B, C leads to Location #2. If location #2 is compromised used escape routes A, B, or C to get to Location #3. 
Stick to the plan.
	Last Updated (Saturday, 20 February 2010 16:55)
Quick Course on Spotting and Evading a Tail 
	Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-From-Being-Followed  
If you think that you are being followed, occasionally stop as you walk around- maybe to tie a shoelace, look for 
something in your pocket, or admire something in a store window, etc. Casually scan people behind you, possibly 
on the other side of the road-and make a rough note of anyone within distance, especially things such as height, 
color of clothes, type of coat, etc.; also look for anyone you recognize from earlier. Stop again after a few hundred 
meters and take a look around, is anyone there? 
If there is, continue walking. Use your ingenuity. Stop and look in store windows, or pause to admire a shiny car or 
van (Choose Dark Colored ones, because you can see the reflection of anyone behind you. Or pull out a comb 
and peer into the side mirror of a parked car or motorbike, as though about to comb your hair-is there someone 
that you recognize their reflection? 
Once that you are certain that you are being followed, make a note of what the person looks like. At the same time,
make a plan for losing him or her. 
When you are out of sight, quickly change your clothes, or stash accessories in your clothes. If you have a blue 
cap on, stuff in your coat pocket, if you have sunglasses on, put them away. 
Speed Up, Do this not by quickening your pace, but by lengthening your strides. If your pace is 1 foot long, and 
you lengthen it to 16 inches, in 100 yards you will have traveled an extra 33 1/3 yards. 
Try to shake off the tail: enter a large shop and immediately leave by another exit; go down a narrow alley and, 
while out of sight, sprint around a corner and double up your tracks. As a last resort, hide. Wait until you're out of 
your tail's sight, the moment you are, duck into a deep doorway, crouch behind a parked car-in short, anywhere 
that he or she will will hurry past hoping to catch up with you again. Remember, that your tail, in his/her state of 
mind, will probably miss something right under his/her nose. 
SSRsi Note:
Keep in mind that once you begin to actively and openly evade a tail, the jig is up. Your actions will tell whoever is 
following you that you have indeed spotted them and your evasive tactics may be misconstrued as the act of a 
guilty person. If caught by "The Regime" simply say you thought you were about to be mugged or raped. You 
won't have to act too hard to appear frightened. When finally cornered and it is apparent that "Regime" forces are 
about to take you into custody, try to feign relief, try to convince them that you are GLAD to see them, and then 
start gushing about muggers and murderers and rapists in a frantic manner. This may place doubt into their minds.
Of course, if you haven't the proper ID, in the end they are going to do what tyrants do. You may be able to buy 
some time by stating you lost your wallet or purse while trying to evade the attackers. 
Surveillance Recognition 
	by U.S. Dept. of State 
Surveillance is required for successful terrorist planning. Experience has taught us that terrorist attacks are 
generally preceded by pre-operational surveillance in which terrorists gather target intelligence. Surveillance is 
defined as the process of keeping facilities, vehicles and persons under observation in order to obtain detailed 
information. Any indications of surveillance should be reported immediately to the the security office of your 
organization and/or the police. All training programs designed to protect individuals from becoming victims of 
terrorism recommend that people be alert to surveillance. This is excellent advice, but, unfortunately, in most 
instances it is insufficient, because people have had no training in detecting surveillance, and terrorist 
organizations are often relatively sophisticated in their surveillance methods. Detecting surveillance conducted by 
trained experts is not as easy as most Hollywood films would lead us to believe. 
Fortunately, however, the type of surveillance conducted by terrorist organizations is not normally as elaborate as 
that done by intelligence organizations nor does it involve as many people or as much equipment. Nevertheless, 
for people to have a reasonable chance at detecting most forms of surveillance they would have to be somewhat 
familiar with the techniques used. The purpose of surveillance is to determine (1) the suitability of the potential 
target based upon the physical and procedural security precautions that the individual has taken and (2) the most 
suitable time, location, and method of attack. 
This surveillance may last for days or weeks depending upon the length of time it takes the surveillants to obtain 
the information that they require. Naturally, the surveillance of a person who has set routines and who takes few 
precautions will take less time. The people undertaking the surveillance will often not take part in the attack, nor 
will the attack take place while surveillance is still in progress. 
Before undertaking surveillance most experts gather information about the subject from other sources. Public 
records of information made available to the terrorist organization from a sympathetic individual within an 
organization, local police, or other government office may reveal useful facts about an individual such as the 
names of family members, an address, a description of vehicles and license numbers, photographs, etc. The 
surveillants will also make a reconnaissance of the neighborhood in which the target lives and works. This permits 
them to select positions of observation, the types of vehicles to use, the clothing to be worn, and the type of ruse 
to use that will give them an ordinary or normal appearance and plausible reasons to be in the area. There are 
basically three forms of surveillance: foot, vehicle, and stationary (generally categorized as either mobile or static).
A brief description of the most common techniques used for each of these forms and methods for detecting each 
one follows: 
One or more individuals may undertake foot surveillance. One-person foot surveillance is rather complicated and 
fairly easy to detect. The surveillance must remain close to the target, particularly in congested areas, to avoid 
losing him or her. In less congested areas the surveillant can maintain a greater distance, but the lack of other 
pedestrians makes the surveillant that much more noticeable. 
The one complicating factor is the use of a disguise to make the surveillant look different (perhaps a uniform). One
possible use of a disguise is a shopping bag or some other container for a change of clothes, particularly if the 
shopping bag is from a store not found in the area or the container somehow seems out of place. Where a 
disguise is suspected, pay particular attention to shoes and slacks or skirts. These items are less easily and, 
therefore, less commonly changed. 
In elevators, watch for people who seem to wait for you to push a button and then select a floor one flight above or
below yours. 
Two-person foot surveillance is more effective in that the second surveillant provides greater flexibility. Normally, 
one surveillant remains close to the target while the other stays at a greater distance. The second surveillant may 
follow the first on the same side of the street or travel on the opposite side. Periodically the two surveillants 
change position so that if the target spots one of them, that one will soon be out of sight, leading the target to think
that he or she was mistaken. Obviously, spotting this form of surveillance is more complicated, but individuals who 
are alert to the people in their vicinity will eventually detect the same surveillant over a period of time. 
Foot surveillance with three or more people uses the most sophisticated techniques and is the most difficult to 
spot. Generally, one surveillant remains behind the target close enough to respond to any sudden moves. A 
second surveillant remains behind the first on the same side of the street with the first surveillant in sight. A third 
surveillant travels on the opposite side of the street parallel with or just behind the target. In areas where the 
target has few paths to choose, one surveillant may walk in front of the target, where he or she is least likely to 
cause suspicion. The positions of the surveillants are frequently changed, most commonly at intersections. The 
surveillant directly behind the target may move to the opposite side of the street, while another surveillant moves 
in close behind the target. With the additional surveillants, any surveillant who feels that he or she has been 
observed may drop out of the formation. 
The use of this sophisticated technique requires that people be alert not only to those people behind them but 
also to those across the street and perhaps in front of them. If the same person is seen more than once over a 
certain distance, surveillance may be suspected even if that person is not continuously seen. 
Common methods for detecting surveillance apply to all three forms of foot surveillance. The most effective are: 
	1. stopping abruptly and looking to the rear, 
	2. suddenly reversing your course, 
	3. stopping abruptly after turning a corner, 
	4. watching reflections in shop windows or other reflective surfaces, 
	5. entering a building and leaving immediately by another exit, 
	6. walking slowly and then rapidly at intervals, 
	7. dropping a piece of paper to see if anyone retrieves it, 
	8. boarding or exiting a bus or subway just before it starts, and 
	9. making sudden turns or walking around the block. 
While taking these actions, watch for people who are taken by surprise, react inappropriately, suddenly change 
direction, or give a signal to someone else. Surveillants will not normally look directly at the target, but they may do
so if they are surprised or unaware that you are observing them. 
Foot surveillance is often used in conjunction with vehicle surveillance since it is likely that the target will use a 
combination of foot and vehicle transportation. Vehicles used for surveillance are inconspicuous in appearance 
and of a subdued color. Frequently, the inside dome light is made inoperative so that it will not illuminate the 
interior of the car when the door is opened. Vehicles will have two or more people in them so that if the target 
parks his or her vehicle and walks away, the surveillance can be resumed on foot while the driver remains with the 
vehicle. While moving, the driver gives full attention to driving while the observer operates the radio, watches the 
target, and makes notes on the target's activities. 
Sometimes it will be necessary for surveillants to break traffic regulations to avoid losing you. If you see a vehicle 
run a red light, make an illegal U-turn, travel over the speed limit, or make dangerous or sudden lane changes in 
an apparent effort to keep up with you, you should, of course, be suspicious of that vehicle. 
The distance between a surveillance vehicle and the target will vary depending on the speed at which the vehicles 
are traveling and the amount of traffic. Surveillants will try to keep one or two vehicles between themselves and the
target. 
As with foot surveillance, vehicle surveillance may be undertaken using only one vehicle or using two or more 
vehicles. One-vehicle surveillance suffers from the same drawbacks as one-person foot surveillance. The target 
has to be kept in view at all times and followed by the same vehicle. Surveillants can try to overcome this 
advantage somewhat by changing seating arrangements within the vehicle; putting on and taking off hats, coats, 
and sunglasses; changing license plates; and turning off onto side streets and then turning back to resume the 
tail. This makes it necessary for a person suspecting surveillance to remember aspects of a following vehicle that 
cannot easily be changed such as the make, model, and color of the car and any body damage such as rust, 
dents, etc. 
The use of two or more vehicles permits surveillance to switch positions or to drop out of the surveillance when
necessary. One vehicle follows the target vehicle and directs other vehicles by radio. The other vehicle may follow 
behind the lead surveillance vehicle, precede the target vehicle, or travel on parallel roads. At intersections, the 
vehicle following directly behind the target vehicle will generally travel straight ahead while alerting all other 
vehicles of the direction in which the target vehicle has turned. Another vehicle in the formation will then take a 
position behind the target and become the lead vehicle, taking over the responsibility for giving instructions to 
other surveillants. The former lead vehicle then makes a U-turn or travels around the block to take up a new 
position ready to resume the lead vehicle position again when necessary. 
People who have well established routines permit surveillants to use methods that are much more difficult to 
detect. If, for example, you leave the office at the same time each day and travel by the most direct route to your 
home or if you live in a remote area with a few or no alternate routes to your home, surveillants have no need to 
follow you all the way to your residence. An alternative method of surveillance in such situations is leading 
surveillance and progressive surveillance. 
In leading surveillance the surveillant travels in front of the target while the observer watches for turns. When the 
target turns, this is noted. The next day the surveillant makes a turn where the target did the previous day. Over a 
period of time the surveillants will discover the entire route to the residence while still driving in a position that 
creates much less suspicion. 
There are two forms of progressive surveillance. In the first form, surveillants are placed at intersections along the 
probable routes of the target. When the target makes a turn, this is noted and the position of the surveillants is 
adjusted to check the next intersection. Eventually, this method leads the surveillants to the residence. 
In the second form or progressive surveillance, a vehicle will follow the target for a short distance and then turn off.
On successive days the surveillant picks up the target where he or she left off the previous day. 
Leading and progressive surveillance are extremely difficult to detect, but you should not give anyone the 
opportunity to use these methods. The most effective methods for detecting most forms of vehicle surveillance are:
	1. making a U-turn where it is safe to do so, 
	2. making a turn to the right or left (in general, right turns create 
	greater complications for surveillants because of oncoming traffic 
	that may delay a turn), 
	3. going through a traffic light just as it is turning red, stopping 
	just beyond a curve or hill, and circling a block. 
In each case, watch for the reactions of any vehicles that you may suspect. Any vehicles that make unusual 
maneuvers should be carefully noted. Do not forget to check for motorcycles or motorbikes, since in many parts of
the world they seem to be favored by surveillants because they move easily through heavy traffic. 
Stationary surveillance is commonly used by terrorist organizations. As mentioned earlier, most attacks take place 
near the residence or office because that part of the route is least easily varied. Most people are more vulnerable 
in the morning when departing for work, because morning departure times are more predictable than are evening 
arrivals. Surveillants seek a position that permits them to observe the residence or office clearly without being 
observed or suspected. Surveillants want to identify observation points that afford the best view of the target. Foot
and vehicular traffic, buildings and terrain around each government facility vary with each location. Pedestrian 
traffic, rush hour traffic flow, temporary street closure, etc. will affect observation points. 
If the surveillants decide that it is best not to be seen, they may obtain an apartment or rent office space in the 
area that provides for an adequate view, but such apartments or office space may not be available and the renting
of an apartment or office space could provide clues for a subsequent investigation. The use of an apartment or 
office space for surveillance, while possibly the most difficult to detect, is generally not the easiest or safest 
method. 
Many surveillance teams use vans with windows in the side or back that permit observation from the interior of the 
van. Often the van will have the name of a store or utility company to provide some pretext for its being in the area.
The driver may park the van and walk away, leaving the surveillance team inside. Some teams use automobiles for
stationary surveillance, parking the vehicle far enough from the residence or office to be less noticeable, using 
other vehicles for cover, facing the vehicle away from the target, and using the rear view mirrors to watch. 
Where it is not possible to watch the residence or office unobserved, surveillants must come up with a plausible 
reason for being in the area. The types of ruses used are limited only by the surveillant's imagination. Some of  
the more commonly used covers are automotive repairs due to engine trouble or a flat tire, door to door sales, 
utility repair crews, lovers in a park, walking a dog, construction work, or sitting at a cafe. Women and children are 
often used to give a greater appearance of innocence. 
Some things to check for are parked vehicles with people in them, cars with more mirrors or mirrors that are larger 
than normal, people seen in the area more frequently than seems normal, people who are dressed 
inappropriately, and workers who seem to accomplish nothing. If you become suspicious of a van, note any 
information printed on the side of the van, including telephone numbers. Check the telephone book to see if such 
a business exists. Note the license numbers of any suspicious vehicles and provide them to your security office so 
they can be checked. 
Make a habit of checking the neighborhood through a window before you go out each day. Detecting surveillance 
requires a constant state of alertness and must become an unconscious habit. We do not want to encourage 
paranoia, but a good sense of what is normal and what is unusual in your surroundings could be more important 
than any other type of security precaution you take. Above all, do not hesitate to report any unusual events to the 
police. Many people who have been kidnapped realized afterwards that their suspicions had been well founded. 
If those suspicions had been reported, their ordeal might have been avoided. 
Since surveillance attempts to determine the suitability of a potential target and the most opportune time for an 
attack, it is crucial to avoid predictability. Although the recommendation to vary routes and times of arrivals and 
departures has become trite, implementing it in one's daily schedule has proven to be effective in deterring 
sufficient terrorist planning. Varying times and routes apply to jogging, shopping and all activities where a pattern 
can develop. 

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