Marathon Weekend

Tomorrow in Boston, the 119^th Boston Marathon, takes place. Two years ago, the Finish Line was the target of a terrorist attack, which saw 3 people killed, and injured at least 264. With Dzhokhar Tsarnaev awaiting sentencing, having been found guilty on all charges – the Marathon Bombings are extremely fresh in everybody’s mind. It is worth remembering that it is almost impossible for an individual to predict violence which targets the group they are part of e.g. nobody who attended the Boston Marathon in 2013, could have predicted that an act of terrorism would take place. Violence and criminal acts which target people as individuals, however, are largely predictable. By not focusing on or looking out for specific crimes, but instead raising our general levels of awareness, we will be able to not only identify those individuals who target us for muggings and pickpocketing etc., but also potentially identify other actions and behaviors, which may represent harmful intent towards the group we are part of (we can then communicate this to the relevant authorities).

To have an awareness surrounding our safety in crowds, we must have an understanding of the ways in which criminals conduct themselves and commit their crimes. In this blog, I want to look at the types of criminal activities that can occur when you are part of a crowd. One thing to understand about your personal level of situational awareness, when you are in a crowd, is that it will by default drop/be reduced. When we are alone, we are solely responsible for our own safety, and so maintain a higher level of vigilance than when we are in a crowd; as we transfer some of the responsibility for identifying danger to those around us. If you are going to the Boston Marathon, or similar event, as part of a group, assume the role of responsibility for the group’s safety, as this will naturally elevate your own levels of awareness. If you go on your own, then assume that you are the watchdog for the people around you. This is not to say you are personally responsible for everyone’s safety, but that you will stay vigilant on their behalf.

Rather than try and identify “people” who may fit a profile that meets your ideas of what a criminal looks like, look for actions and behaviors that are out of place for an event like a Marathon. Take a glance around every now and again, to see who is more interested in members of the crowd, than in the Marathon itself. If somebody is there to watch the runners, their eyes should be – for the most part – looking straight ahead at those racing, not at people or their possessions. Identify those who are not acting similarly to other members of the crowd.        

Many pickpockets will take advantage of the fact that the majority of the crowd will be stationary and looking straight ahead. They will also know that in a tight knit crowd, people will expect and accept some degree of jostling and being bumped into, etc. This allows pickpockets to mingle unobserved, and get easy access to any bag that someone is carrying behind them or to their side. A dipper/pickpocket, can easily move behind someone, put a coat over one arm, and use it to cover both the target’s bag, and their other arm, whilst they open it up, and feel inside for anything that might be of value. By carrying all valuables in your front pockets, and making sure any bag you have with you is to your front, you will reduce the risk of being targeted considerably (consider not taking a bag with you, as this will be one less thing for the security services to deal with, in terms of either checking it and/or taking note of what you do with it, etc. This will allow them to focus resources on other areas).

Be aware of pairs and groups that stand, talking amongst themselves, behind the crowd. There is little reason for such groups to stand around in this fashion, for much more than a few seconds. Pickpockets and Muggers (as well as terrorists), often operate in groups, and will congregate to discuss potential targets/victims, and the best way of accessing them. Knowing that most people will be looking at the event rather than having a 360 degree view around them, they will often feel fairly confident that they are acting unobserved.

Criminals are also aware that the transit networks will be full of individuals who are preoccupied with getting to and from the Marathon. It may seem improbable that you will be mugged in such public spaces, where there are many bystanders; however a skilled mugger will know how to use your body and theirs to obscure from those around you that they have a knife stuck to you; as they demand your wallet and/or other possessions. They also know, that even if someone does see what is happening, they are highly unlikely to get involved, or even highlight what is going on.

Lastly (and this is not about identifying criminal activity but about being a good citizen), respect and obey any request made by a law enforcement official. This is not the day to be arguing or debating the rights and wrongs of what you are being asked to do. Identifying criminal activity at such a large event is a difficult task, and even if there is no “logical” reason as you can see it for being asked to move to another location, or having a bag or item of clothing checked, every moment you engage in debate, and don’t comply, is a security resource that you are using up, which could be allocated better elsewhere.

It is easy to focus on worst case scenarios, such as another act of terrorism, however you are much more likely to be the victim of a lower level crime, such as being pickpocketed or mugged. By upping your general levels of awareness, rather than focusing on specific ones, you are much more likely to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of any crime you may face.