6 Things To Do If You Think You Are Being Followed

Are you being followed? That may seem like an odd question. But it's not as unlikely as you may think, especially in today's upside down world. 

Getting divorced? Your spouse may be having you followed to collect evidence of an affair. Are you financially well-off? You may be followed so thieves can learn your routine and know when it's safe to target your home. I hate to mention this because to me it's unthinkable, but if you are a parent, you may be followed by those who have an eye on your children. Women are followed by stalkers. Abused women are followed by their abusers. And when SHTF, you may be followed because you are prepared and others are not and they want what you have.

It's important that you be able to detect when you are being followed. Unfortunately, it's not something they teach in school. I learned in the Navy. And only then because I was training for the base auxiliary security force. Even there, it's not a skill that is taught to everyone. But think how many kidnappings, rapes, and other crimes might be prevented if you could know you were under surveillance.

Here are some tips:

1. Be observant. Pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for things that seem out of place. A strange car repeatedly in the neighborhood. Or a car that has been behind you for several miles. Seeing the same person if multiple places that you frequent. Someone at your door who just doesn't seem like they belong. Someone loitering for an extended period. You know what's normal for your neighborhood, your job, all the places you go regularly. Watch for things that are out of the ordinary. 

2. If you suspect you are being followed, the easiest thing to do is to change your routine. Leave the house for work earlier or later. Take a different route to work or the store. Ask your husband to pick up the kids from school. Shop at a different store. There are lots of ways to change your daily routine. It might be a little inconvenient but it makes you unpredictable. And most criminals like easy, predictable targets.

3. You can often verify if you are being followed by using a simple method. Whether driving or walking, simply "go around the block". Make continuous left or right turns until you are back where you started from. If the car or person you suspected of following you is still behind you, you are probably being stalked. You have now also let them know that you are aware of the surveillance which is often enough for them to pick a different target. 

4. Get lost in the crowd. If you are driving, go to a busy parking lot or any business where there are people outside. If you are on foot, go into a store or restaurant or coffee shop. Stalkers do not witnesses! 

5. If you feel frightened or uncomfortable, call a friend or family member. You can also download the BSafe app to your phone. This app offers a variety of safety features and is available for both iOS and Android. 

6. If you feel you are in imminent danger, call the police.

If you feel you are being followed, it's important to stay safe. Use these tips to protect yourself and your family.