Surveillance Detection
Trust Your Instincts
That uncomfortable feeling of being watched is your first line of defense. When you feel this unease, shift from autopilot to active awareness.
What Is Surveillance?
The Three-Location Rule: If you see the same person or vehicle in three different, unrelated places, it’s likely surveillance. Random encounters happen once—surveillance creates patterns.
Key Warning Signs
- Repeated sightings of the same person/vehicle in different locations
- Movement mimicry: Someone matches your pace, direction changes, or speed
- Excessive interest: Too much attention in public or detailed questions about your routine
- Unusual activity: Unfamiliar vehicles parked near your home/workplace repeatedly.
Quick Confirmation Tests
Walking
- Pace test: Slow down, then speed up. Followers will match your changes.
- Four right turns: Make a complete circle. Only a follower would complete this illogical route.
- Window reflections: Use store windows to observe who lingers behind you.
Driving
- Four Left turns: Drive in a complete circle—no normal reason to do this. The benefit of doing a Left Turn , instead of a right turn, is the other vehicle is going to have to pause before completing the turn. This may allow you to put some space between you and the other vehicle.
- Highway exit: Exit then immediately re-enter. Forces followers to reveal themselves.
- Slow down: Move to right lane and drive slowly. Followers will also slow unnecessarily.
- Crowded Parking Lot: Pull into a crowded parking lot and park. Wait in your car for a reasonable amount of time then pull out and go into another spot on a different section of the lot . Then leave the lot all together. If you see the same car following you around the lot and then leaving same time as you, their a high possibility that they are following you.
If Confirmed
- Vary your routines and routes
- Inform trusted contacts
- Contact law enforcement if threatened
- Never confront directly
Remember: Look for patterns, not single incidents. Professional surveillance is subtle—focus on behavioral consistency over obvious signs.
References