Makeshift Urban Hideouts in New York City | RDCTD Covert Operative Tradecraft The covert operative guide to urban makeshift hideouts; identifying, managing and utilizing these temporary “safe house” type spaces and parts of a city and its infrastructure as situational shelter and caches.

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In urban environments, operatives may need to rely on makeshift hideouts; non-traditional, often concealed spaces within city infrastructure. These are not full-fledged safe houses but serve as temporary sanctuaries or cache (storage) areas. Understanding how to identify, prepare, camouflage, stock, and secure these hideouts is crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness and safety.

Urban hideouts represent a specialized form of survival prepping focused not on stockpiling extensive supplies, but on securing multiple discreet shelters throughout the city. This strategy emphasizes flexibility and mobility, ensuring that operatives have numerous safe locations to retreat to in emergencies.

Unlike traditional prepping, which often involves gathering substantial food, water, and equipment in a single location, urban hideout preparation involves identifying and readying numerous potential refuges, each equipped with minimal, essential supplies. This distributed approach enhances resilience, allowing operatives to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances and avoid detection by constantly varying their safe locations – with each hideout variably “prepped”.

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        I.     IDENTIFYING HIDEOUT LOCATIONS

Identifying suitable urban hideout locations requires a keen understanding of city infrastructure, architecture, and human behavior. Below are detailed guidelines for recognizing potential hideouts in various urban settings.

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Structural Voids and Utility Spaces

Crawl Spaces:     These areas, often found between the ground and the first floor of buildings, provide ample concealment. Access is usually via small, hidden openings, and these spaces are rarely checked or maintained.

Attics and Loft Spaces:     These upper-level areas are often overlooked and can be accessed through ceiling hatches or pull-down ladders. They provide a dry and elevated position but may require additional insulation and ventilation.

Basements and Sub-basements:     Lower-level spaces, particularly in older buildings, can be extensive and labyrinthine. Ensure these areas have discrete access points and are not prone to flooding or dampness.

Utility Rooms:     Often locked and restricted, utility rooms house electrical panels, HVAC systems, and other building infrastructure. Gaining access to these spaces requires subtlety and potentially, insider knowledge or tools to bypass locks.

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Abandoned Buildings

Urban Decay Zones:     In areas of a city undergoing economic downturn, entire buildings may be left abandoned. These structures offer extensive hiding spots but require a thorough risk assessment for safety and stability.

Partially Demolished Sites:     Construction or demolition sites can provide temporary cover. Utilize the structural skeletons and debris piles for concealment but be wary of heavy machinery and work schedules.

Squatters’ Havens:     Abandoned buildings often attract squatters, providing both an opportunity and a risk. Understanding local squatter patterns can help in avoiding conflicts and leveraging these spaces temporarily.

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Infrastructure Gaps

Service Shafts and Elevator Pits:     These vertical spaces run through multiple floors and are typically hidden behind locked doors. They provide good vertical concealment but require knowledge of the building layout and access points.

Ventilation Ducts:     Large commercial buildings have extensive ductwork that can be navigated if you have the physical ability and tools. These ducts are rarely checked but can be cramped and noisy.

Utility Tunnels and Conduits:     Cities often have underground networks for utilities. Access points are usually in restricted areas, and navigating these tunnels requires knowledge of the layout and a means of not getting lost.

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Transportation Hubs

Train Stations and Subways:     Maintenance areas, service tunnels, and unused platforms can serve as excellent hideouts. These locations offer easy access to multiple escape routes but are heavily monitored and may require security clearance.

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Bus Depots:     Similar to train stations, bus depots have maintenance bays and storage areas that are less frequented by the public but provide ample cover.

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Commercial Spaces

Shopping Centers:     Large malls have extensive back corridors, storage rooms, and maintenance spaces. These areas are typically hidden from public view and can be accessed through service entrances.

Office Buildings:     High-rise buildings have maintenance floors, HVAC rooms, and unused office spaces. These areas often require security clearance, and access can be gained through social engineering or covert entry techniques.

Parking Garages:     Multi-level parking structures have hidden corners, stairwells, and maintenance rooms. They offer good concealment but require constant monitoring for security patrols and surveillance cameras.

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Non-Traditional Hideouts

Urban Parks and Green Spaces:     These areas can have hidden spots such as thick underbrush, maintenance sheds, or even large public sculptures with internal spaces.

Bridges and Overpasses:     The undersides of bridges or overpasses provide cover from above and are less frequented by pedestrians.

Rooftops and Billboards:     Rooftops, especially of lower buildings, and the spaces behind large billboards can offer temporary refuge with minimal visibility from the ground.

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Advanced Considerations

Seasonal and Time-based Changes:    


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Makeshift Urban Hideouts Safe House in New York City | RDCTD Covert Operative Tradecraft

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        II.     PREPARING HIDEOUT LOCATIONS

Proper preparation of urban hideout locations ensures they remain viable for use in critical situations. This involves strategic planning, physical modifications, and meticulous attention to detail.

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Entry and Exit Points

Primary Entry Point:     Identify the most discreet and accessible entry point. This should be easy to reach without drawing attention. Consider the use of inconspicuous doors, hatches, or panels.

Emergency Exit:     Always have at least one alternate escape route. This could be a window, an adjacent room, or a secondary tunnel. Ensure this exit is not easily visible or accessible to outsiders.

Camouflage:     Use natural or urban camouflage to hide entry points. This can include furniture like bookshelves, cabinets, or false walls that pivot or slide to reveal the entrance or urban elements like dumpsters, parked vehicles, or vending machines placed strategically to obscure the entry point.

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Environmental Control

Ventilation:     Install a small, discreet ventilation system to ensure a steady supply of fresh air without making noise. Consider using silent fans or natural airflow designs.

Temperature Control:     Use portable heaters or coolers to maintain a comfortable temperature. Ensure these devices are energy-efficient and have a backup power source.

Humidity Control:     Utilize dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers to prevent dampness, which can lead to mold growth and compromise the hideout’s integrity.

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Furnishing and Comfort

Basic Furniture:     Include essential items like foldable chairs, compact sleeping bags, and small tables that can be easily stowed away.

Storage Solutions:     Use hidden storage compartments, such as under floorboards or behind walls, to keep supplies organized and out of sight.

Personal Comfort:     Ensure the hideout has basic comfort items like blankets, pillows, and hygiene supplies to maintain morale and health during extended stays.

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Stocking Essential Supplies

Water Supply:     Store water in durable, easy-to-carry containers. Include purification tablets or portable filters for emergencies.

Food Supply:     Stock non-perishable, high-calorie food items like protein bars, canned goods, and dehydrated meals. Ensure a balance of nutrients to maintain energy levels.

Medical Supplies:     Include a comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

Tools and Equipment:     Multi-tool, flashlight, radio and self-defense weapons.

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Advanced Considerations

Soundproofing Enhancements:    


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        III.     CAMOUFLAGING / CONCEALING HIDEOUTS

Effective camouflage is essential for ensuring the invisibility and security of makeshift urban hideouts. The goal is to blend seamlessly with the environment, mislead potential observers, and avoid drawing attention. Below are detailed strategies for achieving these objectives.

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Visual Obfuscation

Blend with Environment:     Ensure the hideout matches the surrounding aesthetics. Use similar colors, materials, and textures to create a seamless appearance.

False Fronts:     Construct false walls, panels, or facades that hide entry points. These should be made from materials that mimic the surrounding structure and appear as if they belong.

Natural Cover:     Use natural elements such as plants, shrubs, or ivy to cover entrances and windows. This approach is particularly effective in older buildings with overgrown areas.

Urban Elements:     Utilize everyday urban items like dumpsters, parked vehicles, and street furniture to conceal access points. Ensure these items are positioned naturally and do not appear out of place.

Graffiti and Posters:     In certain areas, graffiti or posters can be used to camouflage entry points. These should blend with the local culture and not stand out as new or unusual.

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Misdirection

Decoy Hideouts:     Set up decoy hideouts that appear more obvious and attractive to potential intruders. These should be easier to find but less secure, diverting attention from the real hideout.

False Trails:     Create misleading signs or paths that lead away from the actual hideout. This can involve fake footprints, moved furniture, or deliberately left clues that direct searchers elsewhere.

Controlled Clutter:     Use controlled clutter to mask entry points. Piles of debris, old furniture, or construction materials can hide access points while looking natural and unintentional.

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Blend with Surroundings

Adaptive Camouflage:     Modify the hideout to change its appearance with the environment. Use seasonal elements or adjust camouflage as surroundings change over time.

Contextual Camouflage:     Ensure the hideout fits the context of its environment. An industrial area might require different camouflage techniques compared to a residential or commercial zone.

Dynamic Elements:     Employ movable elements like sliding panels or rotating walls that can be adjusted based on the need for concealment at different times.

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Light Management

Light Seepage:     Prevent light from escaping by using blackout curtains, heavy fabrics, duct tape or specially designed shutters. Any visible light at night can betray the hideout’s location.

Avoiding Reflections:     Be mindful of reflective surfaces. Cover mirrors, glass, or shiny objects that could catch and reflect light, drawing unwanted attention.

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Scent Control

Odor Neutralization:     Use odor-neutralizing sprays or devices to eliminate any unusual smells that might emanate from the hideout. If a human can smell it, a dog can track it.

Avoid Strong Scents:     Refrain from cooking strong-smelling foods or using heavily scented products that could be detected by passersby.

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Avoiding Suspicion

Regular Activity Mimicking:     Make the hideout appear as if it is a regularly used, mundane space. For example, in an abandoned building, make it look like a storage area used by workers.

Uniformity:     Ensure the hideout’s appearance does not stand out. If the surroundings are messy, the hideout should not be overly tidy, and vice versa.

Behavioral Camouflage:     If moving to and from the hideout, do so in a manner consistent with local activities. Avoid suspicious behavior, such as repeatedly visiting the hideout at odd hours.

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Advanced Techniques

Infrared and Thermal Masking:    


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Routine Maintenance and Adjustment

Regular Checks:     Frequently inspect the camouflage for wear and tear. Replace or repair elements as needed to maintain effectiveness.

Adapt to Changes:     Adjust camouflage techniques based on environmental changes, construction activities, or changes in local security patterns.

Cleanliness and Order:     Maintain a balance between camouflage and operational efficiency. Ensure the hideout remains functional and that camouflage elements do not hinder its use.

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Makeshift Urban Hideouts Guide in New York City | RDCTD Covert Operations Tradecraft

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        IV.     HIDEOUT SECURITY

Securing a hideout and maintaining operational secrecy are crucial for the safety and effectiveness of any covert operation. The following strategies outline how to achieve these objectives.

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Regular Inspection

Routine Checks:     Conduct regular inspections to ensure the hideout remains secure and functional. Look for signs of tampering, structural issues, or other potential threats.

Hidden Cameras and Sensors:     Install discreet surveillance equipment to monitor the area around the hideout. Motion sensors and small cameras can alert you to unwanted activity.

Checkpoints:     Establish checkpoints within the vicinity of the hideout to ensure security at multiple levels. These can be informal observation points or strategic locations to monitor approaching threats.

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Minimal Use

Avoid Overuse:     Only use the hideout when absolutely necessary. Frequent use increases the risk of detection.

Rotational Use:     If multiple hideouts are available, rotate their use to minimize patterns that could be detected.

Stealthy Access:     Enter and exit the hideout discreetly, avoiding times when the area is busy or heavily surveilled.

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Discreet Approach

Concealment of Movement:     Use routes that minimize exposure. This might include alleys, back entrances, and underground passages.

Blending In:     Dress to blend with the local environment. Avoid wearing conspicuous clothing or carrying items that stand out.

Timing:     Plan movements for times of day when the area is less active, such as late at night or early in the morning.

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Contingency Plans

Backup Hideouts:     Have alternative hideout locations prepared in case the primary one is compromised. Ensure these are stocked and ready for use.

Escape Routes:     Map out multiple escape routes from the hideout. Practice using them to ensure quick and efficient egress.

Emergency Signals:     Establish emergency signals or codes with team members to indicate when the hideout is compromised.

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Advanced Security Measures

Locks and Barriers:    


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Silent Alarms:    


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Booby Traps:    


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Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance

Continuous Monitoring:     Use hidden cameras and audio recording devices to monitor the area around the hideout. Review footage regularly for suspicious activity.

Counter-Surveillance:     Conduct periodic counter-surveillance to identify and neutralize any external monitoring efforts. This includes checking for hidden cameras, tracking devices, and observing suspicious behavior.

Decoy Surveillance:     Set up visible, fake surveillance equipment to mislead potential adversaries about the actual monitoring locations.

Remote Access:     Implement remote access controls to monitor and manage security systems without being physically present.

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Deception Tactics

Fake Occupancy:    


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Diversionary Tactics:    


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        DISPOSABLE NATURE OF URBAN HIDEOUTS

Urban hideouts must be treated with the assumption that they can be discovered at any moment, necessitating a mindset of constant vigilance and readiness to abandon and write the location off. Operatives should avoid relying on these hideouts as long-term solutions and should plan for quick exfiltration if needed.

Gear and materials stored within should be considered expendable, ensuring that no critical or irreplaceable items are left behind. This approach minimizes operational risk and ensures that the compromise of one hideout does not jeopardize the overall mission or lead to the loss of essential resources.

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Makeshift urban hideouts are potentially invaluable tools offering temporary refuge and storage / cache in critical situations that can enhance your operational flexibility and safety in urban environments.