The crime of kidnapping is one of the most feared criminal practices. Their modus operandi is to keep the victim in jail for obtain money or privileged information. This type of crime began to be practiced in Brazil by guerrilla groups during the military dictatorship and later went on to be practiced by criminal groups.

The main victims of kidnapping were people of high purchasing power, residents of noble areas, whose kidnappers demanded exorbitant amounts to free the hostage, but gradually this profile was changing.

Criminals began to attack banks managers or company of values for, in Exchange for threat, have access to the vault. Another increasingly common mode is the express kidnapping in which the victim is coerced to go to a bank to deliver money to the kidnappers.

Although the criminals are increasingly bold, research shows that about 90% of cases of kidnapping can be avoided with preventive measures. According to the degree of risk and the financial condition of the person, the solutions range from small electronic security equipment until planned anti-kidnapping schemes.

When it comes to this type of crime, the most important is the adoption of preventive measures and risk awareness for the kidnapped and their families, friends, and everyone around them.

The most appropriate form of protection to prevent a hijacking is to use security measures with specialized companies, with well trained teams and electronic equipment that contribute to personal Security, in order to hinder access to the intended target.

It is important to adopt measures with a view to personal safety, and also the assets. So that the risks are minimized need to change some habits in daily routine, such as timetables and itineraries.

It is interesting, yet, know the habits of criminals, getting on the lookout for suspicious movements in the neighborhood or even in everyday situations, such as traffic, going to work or school, especially at night.
Here are some guidelines:
1. Upon landing at the airport look for your contact in Brazil or grab a cab accredited;
2. Avoid long conversations with the driver. Avoid passing information;
3. It is advisable for the offsets only take copies of the documents. Leave original documents in the safe at the hotel;
4. Take with you a piece of paper with notes of where you are staying and contact;
5. Always seek official exchange houses for change the foreign currency;
6. Is better to put the money, which should be just enough for the daily consumption in internal pockets or tightened;
7. Do not use back pockets to carry your wallet or money;
8. Don’t walk with large sums of cash or credit cards if there is no need;
9. Do not open your wallet or purse in front of strangers;
10. Don’t go out with jewelry and valuables that draw attention;
11. Don’t leave handbags, cameras, mobile phones or bags without any known around;
12. To prevent burglaries, try not to walk alone or in places little moved around;
13. Ideally, ask for information on appropriate points for tourist service, commercial establishments or policemen;
14. Be cautious with strangers very receptive, mainly, avoid consume drinks that are offered;
15. When walk alone, always, try to be in the center of the sidewalk and in the opposite direction to the traffic. It’s easier to notice the approach of a suspect vehicle;
16. Avoid answering the phone on the street. Let the user distracted and, at the same time, vulnerable;
17. To avoid attracting attention, put your cell phone on vibrate or silent;
18. Don’t let your cell phone on tables, desks and chairs from restaurants or shops because the bad guys take advantage of any neglect to take them;
19. In case of robbery, never respond. Immediately after, look for your contact in Brazil or the tourist police.
20. Visitors should only use illuminated ATMs in heavily trafficked areas, like a hotel lobbies and airports, and be alert when entering and exiting banks with ATMs.

Robinson Moreira de Araújo
01 DEZ 16