Latin America Safety Security, think like a criminal in choosing your residence

Extracted from the book “100 Points to Consider Before Moving or Retiring in Ecuador

139. Safety Protocol – Think like a Criminal: Luckily, most of us don’t have a criminal mind. However, to help in staying safe and when conducting threat assessments it is important to think like a criminal or how a criminal group thinks when they are going to rob or assault you. Here are some processes criminals use when selecting their victim or target. You might find this process helpful when you are selecting your residence.
· Is the target vulnerable? Why is it vulnerable?
· How and by what method can the target be attacked or entered?
· What are the target’s soft spots?
· Regarding a structure: are there any security barriers and/or warning signs?
· What is it about the victim or structure that is inviting an attack/entrance?
· Regarding a structure – how many exits are there?
· Where are alarms, video cameras, sensors, monitors located?
· How can I gain entrance to the structure without being detected?
· What aspects of entering the structure or attacking the person are problematic?
· Where can I gain entry to the various parts of the building or residence?
· What are the general routines of the occupants of the residence and/or building?
· In a commercial structure or apartment – where is constant access permitted?
· Are there any methods I can use to test the vulnerability or security of the residence or building?
· Are there hidden areas of the structure?
· What are my escape routes from the assault of the victim or breaking-in of the structure?
· What identities would I assume if I were going to be a “sock puppet” on public Internet forums where expatriates gather?

IF YOU ARE MOVING OR LIVING IN ECUADOR OR IN LATIN AMERICA READ THIS SAFETY PROTOCOL ALONG WITH MANY OTHER SAFETY AND SECURITY TIPS IN THE BOOK: 100 POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING OR RETIRING IN ECUADOR

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