How to Conduct a Stake Out

Last Updated: March 18, 2021

A stake out is the surveillance of an area, building, or person, especially done by the police. Even if you aren't part of the police, you still may need to go on a stake out. Read this article to find out how.

Steps

1
Be unnoticed. Conduct the stakeout from a rented car. If you use your own, you may be noticed. Try to find one with tinted windows.
2
Conduct a "spot check" of the location by driving by once, and get a perspective of the area before permanently setting up your position.

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3
Park on the opposite side of the street' from the place you're surveying. This will make you less noticeable to people.
4
Jump in the back seat, if your vehicle has tint you'll be less noticeable.
5
Bring a friend or two to help. They may notice something you don't, and it's best to have more than one for other circumstances.
6
Try to notice any suspicious activity coming from the person or building you are observing. Record whatever you see so you have visual evidence of the person or people you are looking at.

Warnings

Someone may approach you, have a good story made up about why your out there.

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Don't bring more than three friends with you. More than that will get you caught.

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It's probably wise to ask the police before doing this. You could get arrested unless its just for fun.

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