Followed Or Stalked—Sex Offenders & Obsessed People Do It—Ways To Find Out If You're Being Followed
Posted: Sunday, May 16, 2010
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
Sadly, many people, mostly women, are stalked at one time or another in their lives. In the midst of their stalking ordeal they worry, and in many cases rightfully so, whether they are being followed. Some stalkers and some criminals unquestionably follow their victims, usually by automobile.
One of the most enjoyable classes I have ever taught was advanced surveillance techniques. The class combined classroom work with students doing extensive static, foot, and vehicle surveillance. The students loved following role-playing instructors and the instructors liked the interaction as well.
- Before leaving your home or office, look outside and look for occupied vehicles near your exit areas. In poor weather, look to see if heaters might be on to prevent misting (clear windows) and wipers are on in apparent unoccupied vehicles.
- The simplest common sense tip is quite useful against non-professionals. It is to take note if anyone pulls out immediately behind you.
- As you pull out, drive for a short distance then do a "U" turn taking you back past the spot you have just left looking at the other vehicles as they pass you.
- Stop suddenly and frequently observing the vehicles behind you, noting their actions and details.
- Frequently alter your speed by slowing down then speeding up. Note if following cars overtake you or keep the same speed.
- Stop immediately after taking a left hand turn and note the vehicles that pass you.
- Pull into a large shopping center with many exits and see if you are followed in and out by the same car.
- Pull into a gas station and observe the area while gassing up.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Hi Steve, good job I will pass this along to our crime prevention staff. We may be able to make a pamphlet or handout. Blessings, DocThanks Doc...I hope it can offer some help---thanks...
Great article. Well done.Fantastic advice for anyone in that situation. One of the means I've heard of is going around the same roundabout several times and then seeing if another car is going around several times as well - though this won't work in the US obviously.Hi Connor--good to hear from you--you are so right about roundabouts and we do have them in the States. I did not list it and many others because I did not want to teach bad guys too much...but you hit the nail on the head there.
Steve
You're like a Roman Centurion standing guard over SW. You even make a steel magnolia feel protected- Thanks- Always- EllaYou are quite the writer, you can even make a short comment great. Thanks Ella........
Good advice everyone should take note of, especially women. It's one of those things you think will never happen to you. Thanks Steve.My pleasure Brianna--thanks.
Great advice, Steve. Such simple steps could prevent so many tragic events. Thank you for sharing your expertise.Thanks Ken, I appreciate it.
Since Florida is the land of the world's worst drivers, the most crooked mechanics, the highest gas prices, and no-fault insurance which is the cause of having the worst drivers, most crooked mechanics, and highest gas prices, I usually get around by bicycle. I would be hard pressed not to notice if someone is following me. If someone was, whether I am on a bicycle, my scooter, or on some rare occasions driving my truck, it better be a beautiful woman or that person can follow me right into the police stationIt's hard to get followed on a bicycle, so you're lucky but good luck with that babe following you!
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