Before the Crime: How Criminals Identify Targets and What Most People Miss
When people think about crime, they often focus on the moment it happens—the robbery, the theft, the attack. But in reality, most crimes begin long before that moment.
They begin with observation.
Criminals rarely act randomly. Instead, they study environments, assess vulnerabilities, and select targets based on opportunity and risk. This phase—known as the pre-attack phase—is one of the most critical and most overlooked aspects of security.
Understanding how criminals identify targets can help individuals and organizations recognize warning signs early and prevent incidents before they occur.
The Pre-Attack Phase: Where Crime Really Begins
Every crime follows a basic pattern:
Target identification
Surveillance and assessment
Approach and execution
Escape
Most security strategies focus on the third phase—when the crime is already underway.
Effective security focuses on the first two.
During the pre-attack phase, criminals are gathering information. They are looking for:
easy access points
lack of security presence
distracted individuals
predictable routines
valuable assets
If the risk appears low and the opportunity is high, they move forward.
Common Surveillance Behaviors Most People Miss
Criminal surveillance is often subtle. To the untrained eye, it can look like normal behavior. However, there are patterns that can indicate someone is assessing a target.
Loitering Without Purpose
An individual remains in an area without a clear reason, often watching people or activity instead of engaging in normal behavior.
Repeated Passes
Someone walks or drives past the same location multiple times, appearing to “circle” the area.
Watching Entrances and Exits
Criminals often study how people enter and leave a location. They may position themselves near doors, parking areas, or access points.
Scanning Behavior
Instead of focusing on a specific task, individuals may scan their surroundings, looking at:
security cameras
staff positions
foot traffic patterns
potential escape routes
Unusual Positioning
Standing or sitting in a location that provides a clear view of targets, entrances, or security measures.
How Criminals Choose Their Targets
Criminals are not just looking for opportunity—they are looking for low-risk opportunity.
Distracted Individuals
People focused on their phones, carrying multiple items, or otherwise unaware of their surroundings are more likely to be targeted.
Predictable Routines
If someone follows the same schedule or route every day, it becomes easier to anticipate their movements.
Weak Security Presence
Locations with limited visible security measures—such as lack of staff, poor lighting, or minimal surveillance—are more attractive.
Indicators of Value
Criminals often look for signs that a target may have something worth stealing, such as:
expensive electronics
visible cash or valuables
high-end vehicles
business-related equipment
High-Risk Environments for Pre-Attack Surveillance
Certain environments are more commonly used by criminals to observe and select targets.
Parking Garages
Limited visibility, confined spaces, and predictable movement patterns make parking garages a frequent location for surveillance.
Retail Stores
Criminals may observe employee behavior, security procedures, and store layouts before committing theft.
Hotels and Hospitality Venues
Tourists and business travelers are often targeted due to unfamiliarity with the environment.
Nightlife Districts
Crowded environments and distracted individuals create ideal conditions for both surveillance and execution.
Tourist Areas
Visitors are often less aware of local risks and may display signs of vulnerability.
Behavioral Indicators: What to Look For
Recognizing pre-attack behavior requires attention to subtle cues.
Some key indicators include:
Focused attention on people rather than surroundings
Repeated visual checks of the same individual or area
Body positioning that suggests readiness to move quickly
Unnatural movement patterns, such as pacing or repositioning
Attempts to blend in while maintaining visual contact with a target
These behaviors do not always indicate criminal intent, but they should raise awareness.
How Individuals Can Reduce Their Risk
Awareness is one of the most effective tools for personal security.
Maintain Situational Awareness
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in transitional spaces such as parking lots and entrances.
Limit Distractions
Avoid excessive phone use or behaviors that reduce awareness in public environments.
Vary Your Routine
Changing your schedule or route occasionally can reduce predictability.
Recognize and Respond to Suspicious Behavior
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Create distance or move to a safer location.
How Businesses Can Defend Against Pre-Attack Surveillance
Organizations must train employees to recognize early warning signs.
Employee Training
Staff should be educated on how to identify suspicious behaviors and report concerns.
Visible Security Presence
Uniformed personnel and visible surveillance systems can deter criminal activity.
Surveillance Strategy
Cameras should be positioned not only to record incidents but to monitor key areas where surveillance behavior is likely to occur.
Reporting Culture
Employees should feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity without hesitation.
Layered Security Approach
Combining physical security, surveillance, and operational awareness creates a stronger defense.
The Role of AI and Advanced Monitoring
Modern security programs increasingly use artificial intelligence to detect behavioral anomalies.
AI systems can:
identify unusual movement patterns
detect loitering or repeated presence
flag suspicious activity in real time
These technologies enhance human awareness and allow organizations to respond more quickly.
How NordBridge Security Advisors Can Help
Preventing crime requires understanding how it begins.
NordBridge Security Advisors helps organizations move beyond reactive security by focusing on early detection and prevention.
Services include:
behavioral threat detection training
surveillance system design and optimization
AI-enhanced monitoring solutions
security risk assessments
employee awareness programs
integrated physical and cybersecurity strategies
By identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening awareness, NordBridge helps clients stop threats before they escalate into incidents.
Final Thoughts
Crime does not begin with action. It begins with observation, planning, and selection.
The pre-attack phase is where the opportunity for prevention is greatest.
By recognizing the signs of surveillance and understanding how criminals choose their targets, individuals and organizations can shift from being reactive to proactive.
Security is not just about responding to incidents. It is about recognizing risk early and preventing it altogether.
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About the Author
Tyrone Collins is a security strategist with over 27 years of experience. He is the founder of NordBridge Security Advisors, a converged security consultancy focused on the U.S. and Brazil. On this site, he shares personal insights on security, strategy, and his journey in Brazil.
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