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6 Responses to “How can you avoid being kidnapped?”

1. Nicholas Stephenson says:

   June 29, 2011 at 8:53 am

   KIDNAPS

   Most of you will, at some time or other in the past, have read about kidnapping. For most, this will have been something happening elsewhere – in Africa, Mexico, Colombia, the rest of Latin America, Trinidad etc.

   Historically Jamaica has not been a place where kidnapping is the norm, but it is worth taking a few moments, in light of last week’s news, to look at kidnapping. Those of you who keep up with our local newspapers will have read about the recent incident in Kingston. Thankfully the individual was rescued unharmed.

   There are two main types of kidnap:

    Conventional – involves the taking of an individual followed by demands for a ransom. Risk increases due to the difficulties involved in holding a prisoner for long periods.

    Tiger – involves the abduction of an individual with the intention of forcing another individual (normally a family member/fellow employee) to assist in the immediate theft of money or other valuables.

   In Jamaica, anyone in a good job, driving a high profile vehicle (Pajero, Prado, BMW, Audi etc) and sending their children to what most would consider a good school would fall into one of the above categories.

   So what can we do to ensure our children are protected? Many parents wonder how to speak to their children about abductions and kidnappings. An easy way to start is by talking about stranger danger.

    Take the time to talk to your children.
    Listen to your children
    Be involved in your children’s activities
    Teach your children they have the right to say NO to anyone.
    Make sure you know where each of your children are at all times
    Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, whether it is running or not.
    Tell them to walk and play in groups.
    Remember there is no substitute for your attention and supervision.
    Ensure they know not to talk to strangers and how to contact your friends. Define clearly to your children what a stranger is.
    Tell them to avoid strangers who ask for help.
    Give them your cellular numbers, and those of your close and trusted friends.
    Give clear and precise instructions to the principal of your child’s school on the appropriate action to be taken if your child fails to attend classes, or if a stranger arrives to collect your child from school.
    Have all household staff vetted meticulously.
    Explain to household staff about letting strangers in to the house or even the yard, no matter how distressed the stranger may seem.
    Decide on a simple code word or signal to be used on the telephone or in eye contact between yourself, your family and your staff such that it would alert them of danger.
    Do not admit service people into your house without full identification. If necessary, telephone their business address to double check.
    Speak to the school principal about the school’s security policies & procedures. See for yourself what the procedures are. If you are not comfortable with them, speak about it
    Always ensure your children are secure even when playing in the garden. Is the front gate locked? Is your perimeter wall or fence high enough to deter intruders?
    Practice screaming HELP with your children. Make it into a game.
2. teriann says:

   June 29, 2011 at 7:05 pm

   Thanks for the tips Nicholas I am sure my readers found them helpful.
3. RENZO says:

   July 9, 2011 at 10:42 am

   TRUST NOH ONE ESPECALLY IF YUH HAVE A BUSINESS OR IS A RETURNEE CAH NOH MATTA HOW CAREFUL SOME A DI COOT DEM WI MAP YUH FI MTHS AN PLAN INNA EVERY WAY FI KETCH YUH OR YUH FAMBILY MEMBER
4. Philip Whary says:

   July 21, 2011 at 9:07 am

   I actually found this to be really helpful
5. teriann says:

   July 21, 2011 at 9:47 pm

   I am happy that my suggestions helped.
6. Shana | What is a Good Credit Score says:

   January 20, 2012 at 5:51 pm

   This was a really good list! I find that learning how to interpret body language is also a good thing to determine if someone is causing to do harm. The body language always gives it away!