If you suspect a possible kidnapping event:
- If you are in your car and can get to a police station, do so. Alternatively, drive to a populated spot and begin sounding your horn to attract attention.
- Stay alert to suspicious activities such as illegally parked cars, vehicles that move with you, erratic driving, flashing of lights between cars, people that follow you, etc.
- If you are on foot, try to find a populated area, retail establishment or even an office building where you can take shelter and ask for help.
- Try to notice any identifying traits of the people you suspect are going to kidnap you or someone you are with (e.g., a child). Take note of:
- Their external clothing
- Footwear. Few people change their footwear as often as their clothes and some footwear is very distinctive such as boots, high-end sneakers, laced shoes versus slip-ons, etc.
- If they are in a vehicle, what is the make, model, colour, number of doors, license (province/territory and number), any distinctive markers/decals, etc.
- If you are threatened by phone, contact the police immediately. Review the check-list for dealing with a bomb threat and try to gather as much information as you can for investigators.
- If warned not to call the police – ignore this instruction and call 911 immediately and report your suspicions.