- Detection of surveillance(tailing) is carried out through a thorough study of the surrounding environment, with an emphasis on repeated encounters watch for repeating patterns with the same persons (vehicles) at various points along the route.
- You should strive to gradually make your perception of your surroundings automatic, automatically registering any suspicious fact: an unfamiliar car in a familiar alley, a person who seems to be reading a newspaper but is not paying any attention to it, a woman in a pay phone booth talking to someone without dialing a number and at the same time carefully watching the entrance opposite.
- Very often, surveillance is conducted not only outside the doors of your building or the entrance to the office where you work, but also through your windows. This means while you're just putting on your coat, a surveillance team is already waiting for you to emerge from the building.
- Detecting surveillance can be either "hard" or "soft." "Hard" surveillance is characterized by regularly tying shoelaces, periodically checking behind you by constantly glancing over your shoulder.
- Use mirrors or reflective surfaces: While you walk or drive glance at store windows, car mirrors, or any reflective surface. A quick look can reveal who’s behind you without turning your head and make sudden contacts with the people conducting the surveillance.
- The "Four-Right-Turns" method: The best advice you can follow is to stay calm and turn right four times consecutively. This will bring you back to your original spot. Or after spotting a potential follower, make three consecutive, unrelated turns (e.g., left, right, left). If the same person continues to follow through all three, you’ve likely identified a tail.
- Alter your route and observe: Change your path, take an unexpected detour or a different street. If the same person or vehicle consistently appears along the new route, it’s a strong indication you’re being followed.
- Watch for Repeating Patterns: If the same car, bike, or person appears at regular intervals (e.g., every few blocks) or seems to mirror your movements. Repetition often shows a deliberate follow‑up.
- Make a sudden turn or two‑step check: Perform an abrupt maneuver—like a left instead of a right—or pause for a few seconds. If the suspect copies that action or seems confused, they’re likely trying to keep up.
- Use Buddy. Travel with a friend, or let someone know your route beforehand. An extra pair of eyes makes it tougher for a shadower to stay hidden and can quickly confirm if they're around.
GPS/Location Sharing: Share your real-time location with a trusted contact who can confirm if you’re being delayed or diverted. Use apps that can send alerts oractivatea recorded video when you suspect you're being followed.
Vehicle Tracking: If you’re driving, some modern cars let you see nearby devices or generate alerts when an unknown device connects to the car’s Bluetooth. By combining a few of these methods: altering routes, using visual checks, and involving a friend or technology - you can more reliably determine whether someone is deliberately following you. Stay alert and trust your instincts, if something feels off, it’s worth further investigation.
To be continued
