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Disguised to dupe
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Studies have shown that the camouflage techniques used by criminals to escape detection, resemble those adopted by predatory animals. A look at how human and animal behavioural patterns come in handy to combat crime.
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THE RECENT reports in the media of rail passengers being duped by biscuit bandits, and bank robberies point to the fact that the criminals were able to succeed because of ingenuous methods of camouflage. The remarkable similarity to the camouflage methods used by predatory animals to trap their prey have also been observed. Correlating such data and observations and using new tools such as GIS and GPS could help criminologists in studying the modus operandi of criminals and finding ways to track them down.
A closer look at the behavioural pattern of criminals and animals reveal some amazing similarities. The prey usually identifies its enemy by its appearance or simply by instinct. But, both predator and prey are of the same species only in the case of human beings. It is this factor that makes it difficult for humans to distinguish between good and evil personalities. Thus, white-collar crime is easily committed.
Animals (specifically carnivores), however, adopt methods either to capture their prey or escape from predators. In the case of the prey, camouflage is a way of escaping detection from enemies. But, the predators too resort to camouflage to capture prey, and these are often more successful than those adopted by the prey to escape. Carnivores adopt four techniques to capture their prey — some chase their prey, some trap prey on their own territory, some attack their prey from above, while others scavenge for food. These techniques have been carefully correlated to reveal hidden relationships between predators — (animals) and criminals.
Chasing prey is the most common method of attacking or hunting that predatory animals adopt. Initially, an appropriate animal is identified. Then the predator camouflages itself as it stalks it prey, and makes escape impossible, before zeroing in for a kill. This is the modus operandi of criminals too. Many disguise themselves to pass off as ordinary citizens. The recent incidents of the biscuit bandits on trains, who pose as passengers and dupe innocent travellers is an example of how criminals use camouflage techniques to escape detection. This method is generally adopted by chain snatchers and petty thieves who have to act within a short span of time.
The second method of attack, where the victims enter a trap or crime zone is used in crimes such as abduction, murder, vehicle theft, highway robbery and rape. The camouflage techniques adopted by criminals must be carefully analysed and the public must study the behaviour, personal history and body language of strangers before befriending them. This is particularly important in the case of domestic help. Criminals, who thus corner their victims, could be compared to desert snakes (sidewinders), which bury themselves in the sand and water and wait for their prey to pass close by before striking. In short, they make sure that their prey cannot escape.
Birds and leopards are good examples of predators that make overhead attacks. This method ensures that they get food, unlike other methods where the prey does have a chance of escaping. Attack from above favours predators because the prey they target cannot easily detect them. It also helps them in precisely locating the prey. It does away with the need for camouflage. This method of attack is preferred by criminal networks and in instances of organised crime.
The last method of attack is adopted by animals such as wolves and hyenas, which scavenge for their food. They take advantage of young, weak, isolated, diseased or dead prey.
Criminals, who follow this pattern of attack, usually assist stronger groups or attack the vulnerable section of the population, namely those who are aged, and children and women in isolated places such as petrol bunks or bungalows.
These examples of animal attacks show that there exists an identifiable relationship between predators and criminals. It is the responsibility of criminologists to understand the places that are likely to be targeted by the criminals. It is also essential to study their hiding places and movements and take measures to safeguard the vulnerable sections.
O. M. MURALI
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