Prevention and

Coping Strategies
Kidnapping, Hostage Taking,
Extortion, Attacks
About EuNAT

The European Network of Advisory Teams

(EuNAT) is a network of experienced law
enforcement advisory teams from across Europe,
who provide a mechanism for immediate
international cooperation when responding to
the threat of kidnapping, hostage taking and
extortion, where life is at risk.

The network represents a platform for sharing

good practice in this specific field throughout the
EU and within the members’ respective countries,
within the constraints of each Member State’s
legal framework.

EuNAT: Sharing knowledge saves lives.

1
Foreword
Due to your personal and/or professional
circumstances, you and your family may be at a
higher risk of being affected by a serious offence
like kidnapping, hostage taking or extortion.

Experience shows that these crimes are often well

prepared by the perpetrators. The offender might
take advantage of the victim’s routines or habits in
order to identify opportunities for an attack.

Understanding this will help you identify any

weak spots in your routines and take steps to
reduce the risk of becoming a victim. This also
applies to spontaneous crimes such as robberies.

This brochure aims to help you minimise

potential and foreseeable risks and suggests how
you can do this, in order to be as safe as possible. It
should be used in accordance with national and
company laws, policies and procedures.

The content may reinforce what you already

know or raise new ideas that you have not yet
considered. It also contains recommendations for
reacting to critical situations like a kidnapping.

2
Contents
Foreword ................................................................ 2
Prevention ............................................................. 5
Security awareness .............................................................. 6
It’s in your hands - don’t be a victim .......................... 7
Vigilance ................................................................................... 8
Keep a low profile ................................................................ 9
Protect your information.............................................. 10
Avoid routines .................................................................... 12
Security at home................................................................ 13
Dealing with visitors ........................................................ 14
Children ................................................................................. 15
Travelling safely ................................................................. 17
Vehicles and parking ....................................................... 19
Cash and cards .................................................................... 22
Organisations and companies .................................... 23
Being prepared ................................................................... 24
Reacting appropriately ................................................... 25

Kidnapping or hostage taking .................... 26

What happens? ................................................................... 27
The taking ............................................................................. 28
Dealing with the offenders ........................................... 29
The negotiations ................................................................ 30
Keeping physically and mentally fit ........................ 31
If a group is taken .............................................................. 32
Your role as a witness ...................................................... 33
Release, rescue or escape ............................................... 34
When you are free ............................................................ 35

3
Extortion .............................................................. 36
You are blackmailed ........................................................ 37
Contact by the offender ................................................. 38

Attacks ................................................................... 39
Attacks in a public place ................................................ 40
At the Hotel .......................................................................... 41
After the attack has come to an end ........................ 42

Checklists ............................................................. 43
Personal data profile ........................................................ 44
If a kidnapping is suspected ......................................... 45
Documenting notes on contacts - template ........ 48

Copyright Page .................................................. 51

4
Prevention

5
Security awareness

By acting in a security-conscious way, you can

reduce the risk of being affected by crime.

This includes,
 developing security awareness;
 identifying your own vulnerabilities;
 being alert and observant.

Those surrounding you - your family, employees,

neighbours and carers of your children - should
be briefed on a regular basis.

Avoid going into unsafe areas, especially on

excursions. Be aware of any current situations in
the area. Understand that risk levels can change,
even over- night.

If you observe anything suspicious, immediately

relay this information to your security official or
the police.

If it is necessary to go to a high-risk area, discuss

this with a relevant source such as your security
team or your foreign ministry.

6
It’s in your hands - don’t be a victim

Once you have decided on your security

measures, these should be put into practice
consistently and communicated to the people
around you. You should make these second
nature!

Your goals are to:

 not be an attractive victim;
 avoid providing criminals with opportunities;
 react appropriately and proportionately.

Before you go abroad, find out about the security

situation at your destination and about any of
the country’s special characteristics and cultural
norms. Try to use all available sources of
information and stay informed of any changes in
the security situation.

Although it can be challenging, do not avoid

dealing with security matters. Be open to new
information and advice, so that you have a good
basis for your decisions.

Experience of a country is not a guarantee

for your safety!

7
Vigilance

All criminals exploit opportunities and

vulnerabilities. Observe your surroundings
carefully, especially around your residence, your
workplace and your car, as these might be where
criminals approach you. Be particularly attentive
when dealing with unexpected callers to your
home.

Be cautious of whom you confide in. Be aware

that strangers or casual acquaintances might
have other motives.

Be on your guard with unexpected occurrences

like apparent emergencies, traffic incidents or
roadblocks, and with anyone approaching you to
offer help. It might be a diversion or trap.

When you return to your home or vehicle, check

for changes, signs of a break-in (like damage to
windows and doors or blocked locks) or anything
unusual.

Watch out for individuals or vehicles following

you. If you suspect you are being followed, you
could drive to the local police station or to a
place where you feel safe.

8
Keep a low profile

Try not to be an attractive target. Wear clothing

that will not draw attention and do not display
any jewellery (including fakes), or have expensive
vehicles, bags, suitcases, etc.

It is not your perception of wealth that counts, it

is the view of the local population’s. Remember
that your ethnicity may be enough to make you
stand out.

You should take care to respect local customs

and adapt your appearance and behaviour to the
country you are staying in.

Walk self-confidently and purposefully and do

not let it show if you do not know the route. Do
not make it obvious when consulting maps and
travel guides. Choose yourself whom you want to
ask for directions.

Your full name, where you work and your

function should not be displayed on luggage,
your car, door- plates or signs. Consider using
your name only instead of the company’s for
invoices, bookings and your credit card.

9
Protect your information

Prevent criminals from finding out anything that

might make you their target. Overhearing your
conversations in public or on a mobile phone can
reveal a lot about you.

You should keep all documents and your

schedule safe. Even discarded documents or
invoices can be used to gain information, so
destroy them thoroughly.

Your appointments and absences should not be

known to outsiders and should not be disclosed
by family members, employees or an out-of-
office message from your e-mail account.

In the case of unusual or repeated enquiries,

notify your organisation’s safety officer or the
local security agency.

Consider whether your home address and

telephone number need to be listed in the
telephone directory, the Internet, telephone lists
of your workplace, membership lists, etc. Use
your company address for business
correspondence, registration purposes, etc.

Be cautious about providing information about

yourself on the Internet, e.g. in social networks.
It can also be used as a source of information by
criminals.

10
Your computer and important files should be
protected against unauthorised access. Use only
secure pass- words and change them regularly.
You should backup your data at regular intervals.

Depending on the threat level of your

environment, consider cleaning your phone,
computer, documents and passport of:

 information about your employer (e.g. wear

neutral clothes on all ID pictures);
 all other sensitive data (especially
unencrypted) that might do damage if in the
wrong hands, such as financial information
and company secrets;
 unnecessary contact details (disguise
important ones and consider whether you
need to carry business cards);
 information about countries you have
travelled to (visa, entry stamps), or request a
second passport if necessary.

11
Avoid routines

Predictable behaviour makes it easy for criminals

to spy on you and make plans.
 Vary the time you depart for, and return
from, work.
 Vary your route and take detours.
 Vary the vehicle you take and where you
park it.
 Vary when and where you go to bars, clubs
and restaurants.
 Vary when and where you go to activities
such as sports or meetings with friends.

You are most vulnerable on the way to and from

your vehicle and home. Minimise the risk by
being extra alert and moving swiftly. Have your
key ready when you approach your car or home.
Ensure that you are given quick access at gates,
for example, by calling ahead.

At home, arrange for some activity during your

absence like having the blinds and lighting used,
preferably at varying times. Have advertising
material and newspapers removed your from
letter box.

12
Security at home

Your home should be well protected against un-

authorised entry. New locks should be installed
when you move in or if a key is lost. Never leave
a key outside. Repair any defective lighting as
soon as possible.

A video or audio intercom combined with a door

limiter and spyhole can help you control access
to your home.

You may consider having your house fitted with

an alarm system. You should contract a reputable
and, if possible, certified security company and
know what to expect if the alarm is triggered.
Keeping dogs within the house has been known
to deter intruders.

13
Establish which would be the safest room for the
family to lock themselves into if intruders were
to enter your residence. Do not forget to have
communications equipment in this room to call
for help. Consider seeking advice about how to
improve the resilience of that room.

Only employ reliable staff with references. You

should develop good relationships and avoid
changing them. Be aware of the possibility that
staff might be forced to cooperate with criminals

Dealing with visitors

Employ caution with unknown visitors. Be on

your guard with apparent emergencies.

 Talk to visitors via the intercom or using the

door limiter. Check their identification and
consider calling the company or institution
they claim to represent.
 Until you have checked the credentials of a
courier, you should not accept unexpected
deliveries from them.
 When you open the door for a visitor,
observe the surroundings carefully to make
sure that the situation is not going to be used
by anyone to gain unauthorised entry.
 Check that visitors actually leave the
grounds of your property.

14
Children

Children are naturally trusting and unsuspicious.

Choose practical, everyday examples to regularly
instruct them.

Children should
 not talk to strangers or disclose any
information about the family (information
protection);
 be supervised while playing outside,
running errands or on their way to school
and friends’ homes;
 accept instructions only from those people
authorised by their parents or guardians;
 never go anywhere with strangers;
 be encouraged to instantly report suspicious
or threatening incidents to their parents,
guardians, the police or other trustworthy
people.

15
You should always know where your children are.
Inform their carers about who is exclusively
allowed to collect your children.

Try to get to know your children’s friends and

their parents. Make sure that everyone
supervising your children knows how to contact
you and make sure that you are able to contact
them at any time.

Try to supervise your children’s use of social

media and what they disclose about their lifestyle.

16
Travelling safely

Take some time to prepare your trip and gather

information about your destination. Consider
open source material such as websites of
foreign ministries for up-to-date travel advice
and security information. It may be possible to
register with your embassy or inform them of
your intended presence.

Do not hesitate to change the route of your

journey or cancel it if the security situation
suggests this.

Avoid giving away information about your route

or reasons for your journey, for example on
luggage labels. Arrange a code word with the
driver picking you up at your destination to
ensure that you go with the right person. If they
will be holding up a sign for you to find them, tell
them to put as little information on it as possible.

17
Find out about trusted partners (hotels, transport,
travel agencies) before you leave. Aim to arrive at
your destination in daylight. Use only licensed
taxis and ask for the taxi registration number.

Opt for hotel rooms with a short escape route on

the second to the sixth floor and at a distance to
the reception centre.

Consider using the hotel safe for your valuables

and documents. No one should be able to enter
your room at night unnoticed - make use of
security devices like door chains or bring a door-
stop.

18
Vehicles and parking

Choose a well-lit, easily overlooked and attended

car park. Avoid stopping next to occupied
vehicles or vehicles you cannot see into (like
delivery vans).

Do not approach your car if there are suspicious

people loitering nearby or if your departure will
be hindered, e.g. by another parked vehicle.

If possible, your remote control should only

open the driver’s door. Keep the car doors locked
and the windows closed while you are driving.
No valuable items should be visible from the
outside.

Only stop your car if it cannot be avoided - try to

avoid the rush hour. Keep your distance from the
vehicle in front in order to have an escape route.
You may consider attending a driver safety
course.
Keep your fuel tank at least half full and take a
19
supply of water, food and blankets with you to
avoid having to stop in an unsafe area.

Familiarise yourself with the car and select

appropriate security features such as run flat
tyres, safety window film or armour. Have your
car maintained at reliable garages.

Keep your car key separate from your home and

office keys. That way, if your car is taken, the
hijacker does not have access to your home as
well.

Travelling in a motor vehicle and

checkpoints

A trip in a motor vehicle should be prepared

carefully. Here again consider up-to-date travel
advice and security information.

Make a detailed plan of your itinerary, including

stops and the intended arrival, of which a trusted
person / your employer should be informed.

It is important that communication is secured at

any time during the trip and that your current
contact details are known.

Obtain up-to-date maps, prepare alternative

routes and use GPS, if required. Carry a passport
(copy) at all times.

Give a briefing to those travelling with you prior

to departure.

20
Be aware that unusual incidents, such as an
injured person at the side of the road, may in fact
be the cover of a trap.

If you approach a checkpoint, reduce the speed

and be prepared to stop. When it is dark switch
on the parking light and the interior lights and
keep both hands within eyesight of controlling
personnel. Sunglasses should be removed.

In general, take a low key, be cooperative and

remain patient. Do not make any bribery
attempts!

Remain inside the vehicle during the control if

this is possible. If you are made to leave the
vehicle lock it properly as a safeguard against
thieves.

21
Cash and cards

Only take what you really need. Money and other

valuables should be carried close to your body,
preferably out of sight (e.g. under your clothing).
Do not let your bank card out of your sight when
paying, for example in restaurants.

Keep a suitable amount of cash in an easily

accessible place, separate from other valuables.
This will enable you to pay small amounts
without disclosing where the rest of your money
and valuables are. You can also hand this money
over in the event of a robbery.

Choose cash machines (ATMs) in busy locations

and use them during the day or if well lit. Ideally,
avoid being on your own.

You should approach the ATM with your card in

your hand and your PIN in mind. After the
withdrawal, put the money away, out of sight,
and leave immediately.

22
Organisations and companies

Organisations and companies that require staff

to travel abroad have a duty to care for the safety
of their employees. Risk can be minimised
through the provision of training, briefings, rules
of engagement and logistical arrangements.

Security measures should be regularly reviewed

and upgraded if necessary.
These may include:
 checks of people and vehicles at entry and
exit points;
 physical security like checking and escorting
visitors and deliveries;
 security exercises for employees;
 the set-up of a central travel management
monitoring activity, welfare whilst deployed,
single point of contact and debriefings;
 encouraging employees to complete a
personal data profile (see details under
Checklists).

Employees should know their security officer.

Procedures in case of security-related incidents
should be predefined and known to all
employees.

23
Being prepared

If you live in a high-risk or threatening

environment, you and your family should
regularly discuss how to react to suspicious or
threatening events. This will help you to be
prepared if such a situation arises.

You should always inform someone you trust

about where you are going and when you plan to
return. They should also know who to inform if
you are not back by that time (family, security
officer, security agencies).

Keep a well-charged mobile phone with you, so

that you can call for help at any time, wherever
you are. Keep important contact details and
copies of your personal documents somewhere
where you can access them in case of need (e.g.
give them to a person you trust or keep them
password-protected on the Internet).

In addition:
 know about exits, escape routes and safe
places on your everyday routes;
 memorise phone numbers of the police, fire
department, ambulance and key contacts;
 know the number of the 24/7 hotline and
address of your nearest embassy;
 prepare a personal data profile (see
suggestions in the ‘Checklists’ section) and
leave it with key contacts;
 have the phone number(s) for blocking your
bank cards noted down

24
Reacting appropriately

Trust your intuition. If anything makes you feel

suspicious
 keep on the move in preference to stopping;
 observe your environment attentively and
incon- spicuously;
 make brief notes (e.g. of car registration
plates) and inform others (neighbours,
security officers, local police, your embassy);
 prepare to make a quick exit;
 move to a safe place (e.g. a busy place, large
hotel, international bank or police station);
 call for assistance (e.g. security personnel,
police) to have checks/investigations
performed.

Be on the safe side - do not investigate or

intervene alone. Find support!

If you are robbed, do not resist!

Money and valuables can be replaced, your life

and health cannot!

Inform the police and your embassy about any

security incidents.

25
Kidnapping or
hostage taking

26
What happens?

Kidnappings range from ‘express kidnaps’ of a

short duration, where the victim may be forced
to withdraw money from an ATM, to a captivity
of several months.

Hostage takings are usually of a short duration

and are characterised by a stand-off
confrontation between the offenders and
security forces.

The advice for kidnappings and hostage takings

can be applied to confrontations with other
violent individuals (for example robbers).

Knowing what can be expected can help you to

get through it with the best outcome.

The following suggestions are based on informa-

tion about past kidnappings and the experiences
of hostages.

The main aim of all advice is to secure the release

of the hostage, unharmed!

27
The taking

The threat level of a kidnapping is highest at the

start, since the offenders are extremely tense and
on their guard. If met with resistance, or if their
plan does not go as expected, the offenders may
react unpredictably and aggressively.

If you are not sure whether you can escape

immediately and successfully, you must accept
your situation for the time being.

Try to gain control over your shock, fear and

agitation as soon as possible:

 stay calm;
 follow the instructions of the offenders,
taking a passive role;
 do not make any sudden movements - ask
first even when, for example, you just want
to release your safety belt or pick up your
child;
 do not argue;
 do not make direct eye contact.

At this point your only aim is to survive!

28
Dealing with the offenders

Be reserved but cooperative. If spoken to, answer

openly but neutrally. Do not make any
statements that can be proven wrong. Ask
yourself what can be found out about you in
open sources, e.g. social media.

Now your aim is to stabilise the situation. As the

duration of the kidnap increases, the threat of
being injured or killed decreases.

Try to establish a personal relationship with the

offenders without going too far. Topics like
family (e.g. by showing photographs), sports and
hobbies are suitable.

Stay politically neutral. Avoid controversial

issues such as religion or politics. Moderate
religious belief can be more favourable than
being an atheist, which may be scorned upon.

Refrain from making accusations and appearing

hostile or arrogant.

Try to keep your dignity and self-respect. Show

the offenders that you are a human being with a
family and your own worries and concerns

29
The negotiations

Do not negotiate with the offenders - this will be

done by others. The offenders will make their
demands to a third party. Promises you make
may be hard for others to keep.

Encourage the offenders to establish contact with

your family or your organisation/company at an
early stage and on a regular basis. If it is allowed,
request to talk personally to your family or
others.

Follow the instructions of the offenders if you

are allowed to make a phone call, even if they tell
you to lie.

If the offenders want to take photographs or a

video of you, or ask you personal questions, do
not feel bad about cooperating; this may help
progress the negotiations.

Keep in mind that the offenders may lie to you to

demoralise, subdue and discourage you

30
Keeping physically and mentally fit

A kidnapping can last several days or weeks.

Victims report experiencing a lack of autonomy,
inactivity and monotony during this time.

Eat, drink and sleep regularly. Take every

opportunity to exercise your body and mind.
Keep fit for your release.

If you need medical treatment, inform the

offenders as early as possible.

Develop a daily routine and offer to help with the

daily chores like preparing meals and cleaning up.

Try to occupy yourself mentally, e.g. by keeping a

diary, memorising the place you are being kept,
how the kidnappers are organised or any other
details about your captivity. Ask for a pen and
paper, books or a radio. You can also do
relaxation techniques or similar and mental
exercises by doing maths, etc.

Be patient. Do not give up and think positively!

You can be assured that everything possible is
being done for you.

31
If a group is taken

Every person in the group is experiencing

exceptional circumstances. Stress and the
personalities of those involved can add to that.

If possible, talk to each other! In the face of all

the difficulties, try to stick together and to
stabilise and support each other.

Inform the others that acting calmly,

cooperatively and unobtrusively reduces the
threat level for the whole group.

To detach from the group or stand out poses a

risk.

Remember that if one captive breaks the rules,

this can have a negative effect on all the victims
and threaten your solidarity within the group.

If the offenders plan to set individual captives

free, do not refuse.

32
Your role as a witness

The offenders are afraid of being detected and

pursued. Do nothing to reveal that you are aware
of the offenders’ identity or hiding place. Do not
threaten the offenders with actions or sanctions
after your release.

Only if you can do so without any danger to

yourself, give information about where you are
being held or about the offenders.

Your security comes first!

Memorise as many details as possible about:

 The offenders/ accomplices (number,
weapons, names, distinguishing features,
descriptions, proceedings, language/dialect);
 the vehicles/route:
(type, registration plates, colour, features,
places passed, sounds, duration);
 the hiding place:
(furniture, which storey/number of steps,
number and direction of windows, any
smells or sounds in or outside the building,
power failures, surroundings).

This information may help someone else in the

future!

33
Release, rescue or escape

Releasing you is risky for the offenders. Take

special care to follow instructions and stay calm.

In the case of a rescue operation, take care to

follow the instructions of the security forces
even if they may not identify you as the victim at
first. Avoid any sudden movements.

Only try to escape if you are sure of your

success!

Think your plan through carefully, as far as how

to reach a safe place. In the case of failure you
may face punishment and worse conditions in
your captivity.

34
When you are free

When you are free, go to a safe place like a big

international hotel, hospital or airport. Report to
your embassy, the police, your family or your
organisation/ company as soon as possible.

Allow evidence to be secured from your clothes

and objects you have with you, by packing them
as soon as possible and handing them over to the
authorities.

All information you can give may lead to the

detection and arrest of the offenders. For this, the
police will interview you about your
observations after your liberation (see ‘Your role
as a witness).

Be restrained about statements to the public,

even if you feel the need to explain or to offer
thanks. Consider that you may put the
investigation at risk or give criminals ideas for
future kidnappings.

It is important that you coordinate any

interviews with the media with the police and
prosecutor’s office.

Kidnapping is a life-changing event, both for the

hostage and their family. You may consider
seeking medical assistance in the future

35
Extortion

36
You are blackmailed

Extortion can range from a one-off letter which

threatens to reveal sensitive information, to the
use of violence with subsequent demands, such
as in kidnap- pings. Criminals occasionally make
use of the fact that someone cannot be contacted
(e.g. because they are on an excursion) to extort
money from their family, claiming to have
kidnapped them.

Initially, every threat has to be taken

seriously. The first aim is to protect the
health and life of anyone involved.

It is crucial that you inform the police, even if the

offenders demand that you do not.

The police can work covertly to support you in

handling the situation and averting (further)
harm.

They can assist you in assessing the level of

threat and making the right decisions.

Minimise the number of people who are

informed about the extortion

37
Contact by the offender

If you receive a blackmail letter, prevent further

handling of the letter and its envelope as soon as
you recognise what it is. It contains evidence! If
you need to handle it, use gloves and put it into a
big paper envelope without folding it. Note when
and how it arrived and who touched it. If it was
sent by e-mail, do not forward it. Use print-outs
or screenshots until you get assistance, as it
might contain malware.

Coordinate your next steps with the police.

The offender(s) may call you and talk to you

them- selves, play a recording or let the
kidnapped person talk.
 Listen attentively.
 Note the content of the conversation and, if
necessary, ask questions to confirm.
 Try to obtain further information.
 Do not agree to anything at this point.
 Agree on a time for the next call.

Note the time and duration of the call, the

number of the caller if available and any other
observations like accent, peculiar wording and
background noises. See also the template table
under Checklists.
Record all further calls using an answering
machine, mobile phone, MP3 player or voice
recorder).

Inform the police immediately!

38
Attacks

39
Attacks in a public place

In the event of your involvement in one of the

rare attacks carried out by armed perpetrators or
a targeted attack with a terrorist background, the
following course of action is recommended:

To be prepared for any kind of emergency that

may occur inside a building, it is generally
advisable to make oneself familiar with the
alerting modalities and possible escape routes.
This knowledge can save lives in the event of an
emergency. Try to escape whenever this is
possible!

Leave the danger zone as quickly as possible

and/or take shelter in a protected area. In the
event of an attack the best option is to escape
provided that this does not involve an apparent
risk. Rather than feeling compelled to use the
fastest escape route, opt for the safest one.

Seek shelter immediately if you cannot escape

without incurring risks. Be aware, however, that
many furnishings and even walls frequently do
not provide sufficient protection against firearms.
Consequently, make yourself as small as possible.

Switch your mobile phone to the silent mode

and try to pass on information as soon as
possible and to establish contact with security
forces.

40
Neither curiosity nor the willingness to help
others justify approaching the scene or staying
nearby as the danger to yourself is much too high.

The best way to help is to enter into contact with

security forces and to warn passers-by heading in
the direction of the danger zone.

Any attempt at gaining influence over the

perpetrator (be it verbally or physically) is, by all
means, to be avoided.

At the Hotel

Just as in other buildings, also in a hotel you

should make yourself familiar with the alerting
modalities and the escape routes to be able to
recognise them in an emergency.

Follow the instructions of security personnel in

the event of an attack. Try to escape whenever
possible or seek shelter in a safe room.

If you are in a hotel room while an attack is going

on, withdraw the key card and shut down all
devices consuming electric energy. Do NOT
lock the door, conceal yourself in the room
and stay calm (mobile phones should be in the
silent mode). Create the impression that your
room is unoccupied.

Only if you have reason to believe that the

perpetrator knows you are staying in the room
lock and barricade the door

41
Try to pass information to the outside world and
inform security forces.

After the attack has come to an end

Now it is important for you to make sure that the

security forces do not mistake you for one of the
attackers. Hold your hands above your head. It
must be visible that you do not have anything in
your hands.
Approach security forces calmly and by
controlling your movements; instructions given
by security forces should be complied with
unconditionally.

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Checklists

43
Personal data profile

Depending on your level of risk, consider

collecting the following data and storing it with
people you trust in case you become the victim
of a crime. You can seal it in an envelope only to
be opened in emergencies. Update this at least
every year and before a high-risk trip.

 An up-to-date photograph and details of

where more recent ones may be found.
 Personal data such as: name, date and place
of birth; address; copy of passport; telephone
numbers; languages spoken; club
memberships; e-mail addresses; Internet
account details like Facebook, Twitter and
Skype; bank accounts; vehicle registrations;
property owned; pets.
 A detailed physical description: height; eyes;
hair; facial hair; tattoos; glasses; hearing aid,
etc.; details of any medical conditions, like
asthma.
 Numbers (IMSI and IMEI) (1) of your mobile
devices, credit cards and serial numbers of
equipment carried with you.
 Contact persons: relatives, close friends,
colleagues, neighbours.
 Questions only you can answer.
 A voice recording (record you and your
family members reading a paragraph from a
book, for about one minute).
 A DNA sample (like a used toothbrush or
some hair with roots), wrapped in a paper
envelope.

44
If a kidnapping is suspected

 Report the situation as soon as possible. If

you are unsure if the local police are
trustworthy, contact:
 your nearest embassy, the police of your or
the hostages’ home country.
 Prepare a notepad and make detailed notes
(see the template table under Checklists).
 Make sure you can be reached by phone at
any time. Consider using a second phone to
keep the line open for the kidnappers.
 Keep the matter secret for the moment.
Inform as few people as possible and instruct
them to do likewise.
 Record any calls from the kidnappers or
victims (using an answering machine, cell
phone, MP3 player or voice recorder).
 Coordinate your next steps with the
authorities.

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Information you can prepare in advance

Information about you

 Your name
 How can you be contacted?

What happened?
 What are your suspicions based on?

Information about the victims

 Number of missing persons
 Personal data (name, date of birth,
nationality, residence)
 Condition (physical, mental, medication)
 Description, distinguishing features (beard,
glasses, scars)
 Clothing, objects carried by the victims
(luggage, jewellery, toys, etc.)
 Vehicle (type, colour, registration plate,
distinguishing features).

Contact with kidnappers or victims

 Did you have contact and when?
 Between whom exactly was the contact
established?
 What was the content (threats, demands)?
 When are you expecting the next contact?

Relatives/employer
 Who has been informed (employer, relatives,
authorities, media)?
 Is the threat continuing (for relatives, other
employees)?

46
Talking to kidnappers or hostages

 Get a pen and paper; turn on a recording

device if available (voice recorder, mobile
phone, MP3 player, answering machine).
 Talk slowly, seriously and calmly.
 Reassure offenders and hostages.
 Check if you understood correctly.
 Do not accept demands (acknowledge them
and pass them on).
 Ask when you will talk again.

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Documenting notes on contacts -
template

No Date/time Contact with: Documented notes:

(from/to) - Hostage (H) Content (demands,
- Offender (O) threats, ultimatum)
- Relative (R) Could you talk to the
- Media (M) hostage(s)?
- Other (?) What did you tell the
offender?
When will you next
speak?
Caller ID?
Any other observations?

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 Kidnapping
 The first hour is the most dangerous. Your first
aim is to survive the taking!
 Fear is a normal reaction. Try to gain control over
your shock, fear and agitation as soon as possible.
 Do not make any sudden movements - ask first.
 Do not act the hero! Take no action that may have
a negative effect on you and other captives.
 Be cooperative but reserved. Follow all
instructions closely.
 Do not make any statements that can be proven
wrong.

Cut off here

Kidnapping
 The first hour is the most dangerous. Your first
aim is to survive the taking!
 Fear is a normal reaction. Try to gain control over
your shock, fear and agitation as soon as possible.
 Do not make any sudden movements - ask first.
 Do not act the hero! Take no action that may have
a negative effect on you and other captives.
 Be cooperative but reserved. Follow all
instructions closely.
 Do not make any statements that can be proven
wrong.

49
 Try to establish a relationship with the offenders
show them that you are a human being.
 Eat, drink and sleep regularly. If needed, ask for
medical supplies at an early stage.
 Keep physically and mentally active. Use every
opportunity to exercise and occupy yourself.
 It is not your job to negotiate. Encourage the
offenders to establish early contact with your
family or employer.
 Your safety always comes first. Only try to escape
if you are sure of your success.
 Do not give up and try to stay positive. Kidnap-
pings can last a long time and require a lot of
patience.

 Try to establish a relationship with the offenders

show them that you are a human being.
 Eat, drink and sleep regularly. If needed, ask for
medical supplies at an early stage.
 Keep physically and mentally active. Use every
opportunity to exercise and occupy yourself.
 It is not your job to negotiate. Encourage the
offenders to establish early contact with your
family or employer.
 Your safety always comes first. Only try to escape
if you are sure of your success.
 Do not give up and try to stay positive. Kidnap-
pings can last a long time and require a lot of
patience.

50
Copyright Page
Editor
Bundeskriminalamt (Federal Criminal Police of Germany)
Unit OE 41
Am Treptower Park 5-8
12435 Berlin - Germany

June 2017

Print Office
Druckerei Wolf
55218 Ingelheim am Rhein - Germany

Picture Credits
Page 11, 15, 19, 21, 22 © BKA
Page 9 ©eyetronic/Fotolia.com
Page 42 ©NEWS&ART/Fotolia.com
Page 14 ©underdogstudios/Fotolia.com
Page 17 ©YariK/Fotolia.com

The information contained in this brochure is copyright

protected. The original German language version and English
translation were produced and are owned by the
Bundeskriminalamt (Federal Criminal Police of Germany
(BKA)) and EuNAT.

Republication of this information in whole or in part

(including the logos of the BKA and EuNAT) requires advance
written permission. Any consent provided will be conditional
upon the source of information/material or images being
identified and copyright being acknowledged.
This information was produced in good faith and as a
summary of information. Neither the BKA nor EuNAT
accepts any liability for any damage or loss caused or alleged
to be caused by or in connection with use of/reliance on the
material.

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