The spatial structure of sites in ransom kidnappings in El Salvador, 2000–2005

Abstract

We investigate ransom kidnapping in El Salvador, 2000–2005, considering the geospatial patterns of abduction, captivity, and release sites. Both captivity and release sites tend to be at similar distances from abduction locations, and these distances were, on average, longer than the distance between the places where the victims were held captive and set free. This indicates that the choices of abduction locations are circumscribed by victims’ routine movement patterns and, once abducted, victims are transported to locations where kidnappers feel they have some level of control and will not attract the attention of neighbors or authorities. Lastly, longer distances between captivity and release sites were associated positively and significantly with the ransom measures in the analysis.