Sticky Bomb Detection and Safety Measures for Vehicles
Difficulties Generated by the Natural Selectivity of the Stimulus
The following factors can cause difficulties in accurately perceiving sensory stimuli:
- Localization of the observer in space and time: This can cause partial restrictions on the perception of sensory stimuli.
- Imprecisions due to fatigue.
- Selectivity of attention: When multiple stimuli occur simultaneously, only a few may capture the observer’s attention, resulting in a selection guided by the observer’s sensitivity.
- Halo effect: When a stimulus is overvalued relative to others.
- Assimilation and contrast: Phenomena that confuse the observer, causing them to perceive something that does not exist.
- Previous experience effect: The observer takes notes based on the result of a previous observation or experience.
- Anchor effect: This effect occurs when an initial reference value biases the observer. If the observer is biased against the observed person, they may tend to misinterpret some aspects of that person’s conduct.
- Rote selectivity: This occurs as a result of the selectivity of attention. An observer cannot retain all aspects observed in long surveillance, so they must be selective about the collection and recording of relevant aspects.
Characteristics of the Observer
In practice, the “ideal observer” is hard to find. However, an observer should possess the following qualities to the greatest extent possible:
- Know what they want to see.
- Be objective, lacking prejudices and preconceived notions.
- Maintain a discreet, alert, and actively imaginative attitude (avoiding fatigue).
- Have the ability to pass unnoticed, without attracting attention.
- Possess a good capacity for attention.
Sticky Bomb Explosive Device (Composition)
A sticky bomb is an explosive device consisting of:
- Container: (Tupperware, box, or similar).
- A transport fuse: (timer, basic handling by the terrorist).
- A motion initiation system: (blister systems, mercury tube with a ball, etc.).
- A power source: (batteries).
- An initiation charge: (trigger).
- A base explosive: (ammonal, Amosal, Amonitol, Cloratita, etc.).
- External curb: (packing tape, American tape, etc.).
- External form commonly used in sticky bombs: (cocaine brick, etc.).
Methods for Detecting a Sticky Bomb
What to Look For
To know what to look for, one must be clear about the forms and sizes of a sticky bomb:
- Format: They may differ in size but not in appearance. Usually, square or rectangular containers are used (commonly a Tupperware or a small safe). They are usually wrapped with tape of any color (usually dark colors).
- Size: There is no standard size. Measurements can range from 20 to 40 cm in length, 10 to 15 cm in width, and between 5 and 10 cm in depth.
Methods of Attachment
Sticky bombs can be fixed to the vehicle by:
- Tape
- Magnets
- Flanges
- Ropes, cables
- Placing it between the fixed elements of the vehicle frame, collector, address, etc.
Where to Look on a Vehicle
Depending on the vehicle’s characteristics, there are several places to put sticky bombs. It is useful for each person to know in detail the underside of the vehicle they usually use. The main locations are:
- Underside of the vehicle
- Wheels
- Gaps in the undercarriage (these should be known)
- Below the driver’s seat (inside or outside)
- Trunk
- Engine compartment
- Very unlikely: in the headrest
How to Search
The idea is to “see without looking.” The best method is to get closer to the vehicle from a distance to see the base. For example, if the car is 10 meters from the entrance, move away and walk up to 25-30 meters. At that distance, inspect from front to back or vice versa. This way, you can see the maximum undercarriage.
When inspecting, check the two-wheel arches on one side. As you approach the car, go around it to check the other two wheel arches and the locks (if any) on the other side. Lateral observation is easy, as the vehicle is only 1.70 or 1.80 meters wide, compared to 4 or 5 meters in length. When looking from the side, looking down to waist level is sufficient.
If a Sticky Bomb is Located
- Never try to detach or move it. Keep everything in the same position.
- If the vehicle is closed, do not open it under any circumstances.
- If the vehicle is open, do not close it under any circumstances.
- Do not try to recover or remove anything inside.
- Move away at least 50 meters to prevent others from approaching or passing by.
- Warn others that any movement can activate the bomb (even the passage of a truck or bus at a speed of 50/60 km/h).
- Do not touch or move anything related to the vehicle.
- Move away from the vehicle to a safe distance of 50 meters, communicate to the focal point, and activate the protocol.
Conclusions
The best way to act against a sticky bomb is to prevent or impede its placement. The key to this is to avoid routines regarding the time and location of parking.
In most cases, the device has been attached to the underside of the vehicle, preferably on the outside. However, some incidents have been detected where the device is placed inside. Therefore, it is advisable to check beforehand the state of all vehicle locks.
In some cases, car bombs have been placed at the level of the driver’s seat, and in others, in the back. Placing the bomb in one area or another only seeks the most suitable location, with easy access for terrorists and difficult to locate for the victim. The difficulty of detection depends on the quality of the review carried out by the victim.
When placing sticky bombs near the fuel tank, they directly seek to cause a fire (this always depends on several physical circumstances). However, it is useful to know that this normally coincides with the area where the fuel tank is located. The fire is produced by the gases resulting from the evaporation of fuel, paints, fabrics, plastics, and rubber of the vehicle, regardless of the combustible.
Whether a fire is caused before or after a car bomb explodes depends on the type of explosive used, the type of fuel, and other circumstances surrounding the incident, but not on the intent. The method of attaching the appliance is multiple magnets where possible, with rods, cable ties, or by setting the device to vehicle parts such as exhaust pipes, shafts, or other accessories in the undercarriage.