Experience Former deputy head of the Forensic Firearms lab at New Scotland Yard
How prepared are most people to survive an (armed) attack?
Very poorly. Most people have no idea how to defend themselves against even the most amateurish mugger, let alone a well organised and determined kidnapper.
Are there basic survival strategies everyone should know?
Your chances of being kidnapped or taken hostage are small. If it does happen, your chances of survival are high. Remember, you’re of value to those holding you only if you are alive, so they want to keep you that way. Your best defence is passive cooperation. The more time passes, the better your chances of being released alive.
Let’s say I’m a multimillionaire businessman doing business in unstable regions, what are my must-have security items?
This very much depends upon the local legislation. Probably the most effective weapon would be either a stun gun or tear gas spray. Knives or guns are not easy to master and getting them ready to use can take up valuable time.
How helpful are bodyguards?
It depends. If the victim is known to have bodyguards and the gang is professional, they will have planned for this. If, however, it’s an unplanned robbery, then a bodyguard or two will definitely stack the odds in your favour.
Should I learn to shoot? What kind of gun should I pack?
Many countries don’t view the carrying of personal weapons favourably. Also, shooting someone dead in the street raises a number of problems, not to mention potentially shooting bystanders! Setting that aside, if personal firearms are permitted and significant training has been carried out then this is always a preferable mode of self-defence. The mere sight of a firearm will often be more than sufficient to deter an attacker. As to the weapon, not a self-loading pistol, as there are too many things to go wrong. A Smith and Wesson Model 60 revolver would be ideal.
What about my car? Does it need armouring?
I have a great deal of experience in armouring cars and this is a difficult area. It is all but impossible to completely bullet proof a car and keep it manoeuvrable. In general terms, the likelihood of a bullet, even from an AK47, getting through the door of a regular car is fairly slim. Side impact strengthening, window winder motors, locks, hinges etc all leave little room for a normal bullet to get through. If a bulletproof car is available then use it, but to armour one from scratch is nigh on impossible and highly expensive.
Should a bullet vest be worn?
Yes and one with stab resistance, too. Having said that, for it to be effective against an AK47, it will have to have a metal plate. These are hot and uncomfortable to wear and unless it’s made from one of the modern polyethylene-based materials (like Spectra) if it gets wet, it totally loses effectiveness. Something that will resist a 9mm Parabellum round would be a good compromise, manufactured from Spectra or some such material and with knife protection built in.
