| Next to traveling on the road in a vehicle, executives | | | | The outer perimeter barrier is recommended around |
| are most vulnerable to the threat of kidnapping at their | | | | the residence and should include fences, walls and |
| temporary in-country residence. In the eyes of a | | | | bushes. |
| kidnapper, residential vulnerability is influenced and | | | | Inner Perimeter Grounds |
| defined by the attractiveness of the kidnap target | | | | Thorn plants should be planted within the inner |
| within the residence and the level of security provided. | | | | perimeter grounds near windows and other interior |
| The aim of residential security is to deter prospective | | | | openings. |
| kidnappers and intruders and obstruct them, and if they | | | | Residential Security Guards |
| do enter, delay them enough to call for assistance and | | | | Use trained and alert guards with multiple |
| allow for escape. The precautions in this section will | | | | communication options, such as hand-held radios, cell |
| develop a credible threat package to deter kidnappers | | | | phones, intercoms and landline telephones. The guards |
| looking for soft targets. Some companies have found | | | | should be well-paid and have a higher morale than |
| innovative ways to entice their top executives on | | | | regular local guard forces. |
| international business trips by piling on pricey perks | | | | Lighting |
| such as luxury house rentals complete with servants | | | | Kidnappers use darkness as a cover to slip into |
| and chauffeur-driven cars parked out in front. | | | | executive residents. Good residential lighting should |
| There is nothing wrong with this type of setup unless | | | | allow adequate observation of secure areas and |
| the security is lax and the residence is located in a | | | | minimize shadows. Lighting is one of the most |
| kidnap hotspot. Many other countries mask the true | | | | effective deterrents of criminal activity because it |
| extent of the kidnap problem so as not to have a | | | | increases the chances of kidnappers being observed, |
| negative impact on the country's valued international | | | | thus decreasing the probability of attack. |
| business and tourist industries. | | | | Doors |
| Kidnapping groups take advantage of weak points in a | | | | Exterior doors to the residence should be of solid |
| residence to attack executives by looking for relatively | | | | wood (solid core) or covered with steel. Also change |
| soft targets. If there is no perimeter or yard security, | | | | or re-key locks when you move in. |
| kidnappers can walk up and ring the doorbell. When | | | | Windows |
| the door is opened, they enter carrying automatic | | | | The windows should be shuttered with laminated glass |
| weapons and then carry the executive away to a | | | | or adhesive polyester film installed as well as wire |
| waiting vehicle. | | | | netting to deflect grenades. |
| Criminals often target executives living in rich, | | | | Roof |
| high-profile neighborhoods, as they enter or exit their | | | | The roof may be difficult to get to, but it's the least |
| homes. Securing the residential premises is the first line | | | | protected element of a residence. The roof may have |
| of defense for the executive against kidnapping. | | | | many sensitive areas that should be secured such as |
| Ensure that your in-country residence provides the | | | | roof hatches, skylights, air-conditioning system, |
| basics in intrusion detection systems, video, alarm | | | | air-purification devices and access ladders. To further |
| system, intrusion-delay barriers and subsequent | | | | secure the roof, CCTV cameras should be mounted |
| security response capabilities. This provides a layered | | | | on the roof surface, transmitting video images back to |
| and comprehensive defense acting in concert with | | | | the fixed guard posts. |
| residential security and local law enforcement. | | | | Alarms |
| The following are useful real world environmental | | | | Intruder alarms work on the principle that noise is an |
| characteristics to prevent you from becoming an | | | | effective deterrent. Their major purpose is to warn the |
| individual target while at your residence and should be | | | | resident as well as others of an illegal entry. Alarm |
| practiced aggressively in countries where kidnapping is | | | | sensors should be placed on all windows and doors to |
| rampant. | | | | delay and detect kidnappers. |
| Locations | | | | Dogs |
| The location of your residence, the neighborhood and | | | | Dogs are the most widely used alarm system. A dog |
| street conditions must be safe prior to moving in. | | | | is naturally protective and will detect, deter, delay and |
| Ensure that your residence is not in a secluded area. | | | | deny intruders from entering the residence. A barking |
| Residential Streets | | | | dog is one of the best security systems for residential |
| Avoid wide busy streets that are overcrowded. You | | | | protection and viewed as one of the first lines of |
| want to be able to see potential kidnappers circling the | | | | defense against intruders. Get a big dog, one of the |
| block in both directions, suspiciously standing out, not | | | | most effective defenses, especially if it's trained. |
| covered by congestion and shrubbery. Recognize | | | | Preparedness |
| street patterns and any distinct economic and ethnic | | | | Security when returning to your residence requires |
| sections or any heavily wooded areas. | | | | alertness. Have your key ready for rapid access as |
| The Residence | | | | you approach, but if you see a door or window open |
| Find out who the prior occupants were and if they had | | | | or any signs of forced entry, don't enter. Call 911 and |
| any security problems. Upgrade all known safety | | | | wait for police or the security force to clear your |
| conditions before moving into the residence. | | | | residence. Keep safe out there, and as always God |
| Outer Perimeter | | | | Speed. |