How to Spot Suspicious Behaviour When Travelling

Suspicious behaviour can occur anywhere – high streets, schools, family reunions – but it seems to happen more often in places that involve confusion. Airports, train stations, busy city pavements and tourist locations are prime locations for confusion, places where people are too busy trying to get from place to place to take notice of those lurking in the corner. For this reason, those of you who travel are often the victims of petty crimes. With a little vigilance, however, you might find it easier to spot the suspicious before the suspicious spot you.

Overly Helpful People
Sure, not every Good Samaritan should fall under a veil of suspicion, but many con artists use a helpful appearance to get what they are after. Some may tell you that you have mustard or ketchup on your pants, stealing your wallet as they help you wipe it off. Some may tell you that you have a phone call, only to steal your things when you are occupied. Some may say that you look lost and offer to help you find your way, only to find their hands with your purse in the end. The best way to stop these kinds of people is to simply be cautious. Be careful of those offering assistance, and – if you feel they are more interested in helping themselves than helping you – politely decline.

People Following You
In an uncrowded area, it’s rather easy to notice if someone is following you; you can spot them with ease. In a populated area, however, you may not notice that person who seems to be in every place you go, walking into the same coffee shop, looking inside the same book store, taking the same escalator. If you notice that someone appears to be in every place you are, and this continues for a lengthy amount of time, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume you’re being followed, and probably not for a noble reason. If you can’t lose your follower yourself, then seek out security and voice your concerns. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry…or mugged.

People Acting Strangely
Acting weirdly may be in the eye of the beholder – what seems weird to you could be completely normal to someone else. But, a lot of times, people act weirdly because they are nervous, anxious, or about to engage in less than legal behaviour. If you notice someone acting strangely – someone who appears up to no good or gives you a “creepy” feeling – get away from them and stay away. If they are acting incredibly strangely, find someone to check out the situation. It could be nothing, but it could also be something.

People Exhibiting Abnormal Body Language
Body language can speak volumes, particularly when someone is purposely misleading you. If someone strikes up a conversation with you and fails to maintain eye contract, frequently changes the tone of their voice, covers their face or mouth with their hands, fidgets or turns their body away from yours, assume they have something to hide – and hide away from them.

People Who Contradict Themselves
Nothing reveals a liar quite as much as someone who contradicts him or herself: a person who changes their story basically tells you they are lying. Maybe they initially told you they are catching a flight to Paris, only to say a few minutes later that they are going to visit a sick aunt in Barcelona. Whatever they say, if their story doesn’t match up, seems rehearsed or involves far too much detail chances are they are using it for some sort of cover up. Instead of calling them out on it, and possibly angering them, simply do a little story telling of your own and tell them your husband – all six foot seven and fourteen stone of him – is waiting for you near the lifts.

Suspicious behaviour can be one of two things: a bad omen or a false alarm. While it’s best not to assume everyone is harmful, and find yourself pointing accusations at innocent people (The Pope, perhaps), you should use caution when someone near you appears about to engage in some wrongdoing. You may just want to remove yourself from the situation or simply take the grown up route and tattle tale.