Sadly, a Google search for abduction, even when adding keywords like locations, brings up page upon page of incidents. It is quite alarming.
Many of these incidents occur as people are walking or running. Why? Perpetrators are often driving a vehicle to facilitate escaping and transporting.
Not surprisingly, they target people close to roads and parking lots.
Some examples.
In June 2018, a 37-year-old woman was jogging during the day when a man pulled his car ahead of her, jumped out, grabbed her, trying to pull her toward his car. She hit him and screamed, and he gave up, ran to his car, and drove off. Shaken up, she still had the presence of mind to take a picture of his licence plate. He was later arrested.
In Thunder Bay, Ontario, a 38-year-old woman was on a spring day in May 2017 when two men in a car offered her a ride. When she refused, one got out and grabbed her. After a struggle, she got away.
In November 2019, a North York woman was walking when a car pulled up. A man tried to pull her into the car through the window.
On November 3, 2019, in Toronto, a man approached an 8-year-old girl. He grabbed her, covered her mouth, and tried dragging her 60 meters to his car. She escaped before he could put her in his car.
Thankfully, all women (and a girl) escaped before being taken. Let us look at some factors involved in the abduction attempts.
Time of day. Most of these attempts were made in broad daylight when we felt safe.
Brazenness. Attackers usually prefer isolated victims to avoid being witnessed or interfered with. There are many exceptions. In the case of the Massachusetts jogger, the attacker attempted to abduct her despite the presence of other people.
Proximity to Roads. It is not a surprise since it is easier for abductors to transport their targets in a vehicle. Accordingly, they tend to park close to their target.
Proximity to the Vehicle. In the case of the North York woman, she must have got close to the vehicle, perhaps to talk or to give directions. Do not go near the car! You can offer directions from a distance. One of the reasons the 8-year-old girl escaped was that the attacker tried to drag her 60 yards to his car. At this point, she was able to fight and draw the attention of bystanders.
Resistance. Getting someone into a vehicle, even someone much smaller, is not easy. Make it as difficult as possible! Fight! Scream! Whatever it takes to avoid getting into the vehicle. All the targets fought back and prevented what could have been a worse fate.
Abduction is a frightening topic. However, it is worthwhile to understand perpetrator tactics and those who have foiled their efforts.
Be aware.
If you'd like to learn more, you are welcome to join our Women-only Krav Maga classes. Classes are open for all fit and skill levels.
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