#163 - How Criminals Use Simple Tools to Catch Victims Off-Guard

The PROT3CT Podcast

In today's analysis, I examine a concerning technique I've observed in my global security work - what I refer to as an "assist takedown." This footage demonstrates how quickly someone can incapacitate a completely unaware person using just a simple accessory. Notice the approach from behind, the quick motion, and how the victim immediately loses balance - simultaneously falling and experiencing pressure to sensitive nerve points in the neck.

What makes this technique particularly concerning is it combines two elements: first, it uses the person's own center of gravity against them by disrupting their balance, causing them to fall. Second, it applies pressure to areas with important nerve clusters, causing a rapid temporary loss of awareness.

Watch the victim's movements - you can see the moment they transition from alertness to disorientation as pressure is applied. The entire incident takes just seconds, after which the person is easily moved away. The lesson here isn't about this specific technique - it's about understanding how critical situational awareness is to your personal security. This person never saw what was happening because they weren't scanning their environment. No physical skill would have helped because they missed the critical first step of self-protection: awareness.

For a comprehensive approach to developing heightened situational awareness and other self-protection skills, visit surviveviolence.com to access my 11-module program. Remember: The most concerning situations are the ones you never see coming.