Conventional Kidnap – The abduction or holding of a hostage with the intention of extorting money or other valuables; or securing some substantial concession for the hostage’s safe return.Tiger Kidnap – The abduction or holding of a hostage (or claim of having done so) with the intention of forcing an employee, relative or another to facilitate the immediate theft of any valuables; or concede some other form of ransom from any institution or business organisation.
Tiger kidnaps are a growth industry in Northern Ireland. See:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6920668.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6124272.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4743532.stm
Criminal Vendetta – At present, these are the most common types of kidnappings in the UK and can be associated with the use of extreme violence and torture. It is likely that the offender is known to the victim / hostage as well as the motive behind the offence, although the motive may not always be shared with the Police. In some cases, the victim will have tried to resolve the situation themselves and informing the police will be the last resort. The demand may be economic or could be commodity based (i.e. drugs) and may be more concerned with the principle rather than the monetary value.
People Trafficking – These incidents are often unreported due to the immigration status of the victim / hostage and furthermore, the hostage may not necessarily want the Police involved due to the fear of repatriation. Similarly these offences are often characterised by the use of extreme violence / torture or rape and hostages may be forced to work in the sex industry.
International – With these types of kidnap the hostage is taken abroad and consequently there is a lack of control over all aspects of the investigation for UK Police. Due to this, there is a need for international co-operation from foreign law enforcement.
The classification does not cover Express Kidnap; a particular risk to business travellers. See:
ARC Training conducts a one-day Kidnap Risk Reduction and Response Workshop twice yearly. 2008 dates are 14 May and 24 September. For details contact Janet.
Kidnap risk reduction is also covered in ARC Training’s one-day Business Travel Security Workshop, which can be delivered at your premises to your at-risk staff on request.
