Tiger Kidnaps
A tiger kidnapping is defined as “the abduction or holding of a hostage (or claiming to have done so) with the intention of forcing another person to facilitate the immediate theft of valuables or concede some other form of ransom from an institution or business organisation”. PSNI has made excellent progress in preventing tiger kidnaps taking place and has been working with the business community to advise them how to protect against such attack.
Protecting your employees is essential. PSNI advice is to:
- ensure that no-one has access to an amount of cash that makes them an attractive target to the criminal.
- use a Cash in Transit firm to transfer cash.
- use CCTV systems to monitor vulnerable areas.
- educate your staff to notice and report anything unusual that may indicate a colleague is acting under duress.
Securing your home and business is essential too. These are some of the steps you can take to increase security:
- identify callers before opening the door
- install solid doors and good deadlocks
- always keep windows locked
- close curtains and turn lights off at night
- consider sensory or time activated lighting, or leave a courtesy light on at your front door
- have reserve lights such as torches to hand
- keep strict control over your keys and do not allow duplicates to be made without your permission
- never conceal keys outside the premises and be vigilant in reporting anything suspicious
- be alert when leaving or entering your home or premises
- vary your route and the time of your journey
- travel with someone else, where possible
- keep the doors and windows of your vehicle locked, where possible
- be suspicious of anyone trying to get you to stop or leave your vehicle
- when parking, do not leave anything in your vehicle that may identify you or your business.
For further advice, including how to enhance your personal security at home, you should contact your local PSNI Crime Prevention Officer. Their assistance can include visiting your home and business to advise you on security measures which best suit your particular circumstances. A list of Crime Prevention Officers can be found on the Police website www.psni.police.uk
back to home page