Operating in an urban environment

[stealththief]

Straight from the streets of New York City is the first installment of my thoughts and techniques for operating in a city.

Stay low key: This is a bit about social stealth and taking advantage of the people who are always outside. When you're going to carry something out, make sure you look like you belong, like everyone else. Carrying a small bag is fine. Walk or jog (if your wearing jogging clothes) to your target, if you drove park a few blocks away (so you have time to pull your keys out and take off by the time you get to your car), that way people don't say "yea the car pulled up and dropped off three people who immediately hopped the fence and walked in". If you're going to go all out in an area (mask, gloves, dark colors, radios or w/e) don't wear that while traveling, find a concealed place and change there and then carry out the op. Walk through lit areas up right if civilians are around and don't go out of you way to avoid them as people will notice and become suspicious, all this doesn't apply if you're going all out.

Access: Depending on your style and target access can be as easy as walking through a door or as tough as getting to the roof and sliding into a vent. Assess your target in the day time look for ways in. Most places have:
1-Front door (well lit, doorman/security, multiple locks, security camera, PIR)
2-Back door (usually not well lit but may have PIR, usually closer to more cover, less likely to have cameras or security, less locks)
3-Windows (these are usually locks, and may or may not have alarms, won't usually be well lit)
4-Roof entrances such as vents or doors (these usually have the least security, light and locks, accessible via fire escapes, adjacent roofs and if you're SF then helicopters lol)

Card, pick or bump doors but be ready for an alarm or warning (EI: "beep beep beep Front Door"), if you know a place is empty you can ignore it, if not set it off a bunch and see if you can get the person to turn it off or begin ignoring it. Same idea for PIR set it off a bunch so people think a cat or something is messing around with it.
No vent I know (save the one in mission impossible) has an alarm, however, be sure once inside you know where you are going, that you have something to cover your mouth (vents are full of dust despite shiny clean movie depictions), that you can either break off a grate or unscrew if from the inside somehow and that the vent may be high off the ground and will require a big drop upon exiting.

Fire escapes scaffolding and other stuff to climb:
Take full advantage of these. Fire escapes are usually on the backs of buildings or in the side alleys so it's dark enough to go unnoticed, however if someone is going to look your way (which will happen eventually) you can usually lay on your belly and they won't see you. Fire escapes are good for accessing windows and roofs.
Scaffolding, use these to the fullest, they're temporary and mean that work in going on. The best kind have mesh on the outside that keeps small stuff from falling out, the mesh also shrouds you and gives partial cover, the most people will see of you through the mesh is a colored silhouette at best and a trash bag or other random object at best. Scaffolding gives access to windows, the sides of buildings you may not have access to and sometimes roofs.
Buildings themselves are climbable sometimes. It's risky and can get you hurt but if you know what you're doing it can get you to windows, or even roofs. The simplest way to get up high with only a building is to find a small space between two and spider climb or back to the wall climb up. This allows you to move not only up and down but also sideways as well, however not many windows face small alleys. Climbing the front of a building I don't recommend, its tougher and is easily seen from far away even with appropriate clothing. If you're gonna do it though here are some tips:
Window ledges are reliable to hold onto and stand on, standing is made easier by bracing yourself against the sides of the window.
Air conditioners are iffy, but the cages that cover them are good, I've personally seen them hold the weight of three people no problem, however it's always best to check by giving a tug and seeing if it shakes excessively.
Door hinges are a great place to start an ascent, they hold weight with out noise, they usually require some type of hand hold over head to keep you from falling backwards.
When climbing buildings lean your weight towards the building rather than down or away from it.

More to come.

[stealththief]

Once inside: This really depends on the place your in, if its a public place with an off limits area you won't act the same as if you broke into a house. If it's public and open throw on a hat and glasses and walk around with your phone to your ear, people are less likely to bother you that way. If people ask you to leave or cause some trouble an excuse ready, this really depends on the type of place you're in. If it's after hours or a private place I recommend using at least dark clothes and a mask. Stick close to walls for both sound and silhouette. Be aware of cameras, also know that some will inevitably hit you, there are just some hall ways that are impossible to cross without being seen with a camera, if you know your going to pass one, don't go too fast as it may draw the attention of a person monitoring them live. If you know they are being recorded and you don't plan on stealing or messing stuff it you probably don't even have to worry about the tapes as they aren't likely to be watched, but you can try to get rid of them if you think that they may be. Keep escape routes in your head and check fire maps if your unsure of the lay out of the building, they're usually near the elevators if the place has some.

If you want any specific subject covered ask away.

[darkwolf7]

I couldnt agree more with either of these posts, well done.

[stealththief]

Thanks