According to research conducted by National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at the FBI's National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC), certain traits are generally common for in-hospital child abductors.
Though these kinda of abductions are extremely rare, criminal psychologists say kidnappers have certain traits in common.
The traits are based on the findings of 112 reported incidents of abductions by non-family members from Health Care facilities, family homes and other places such as malls and cars between 1983 and 2002.
The following information was provided to CTV Montreal by the RCMP.
An abductor is commonly:
- a female of "childbearing" age between the ages of 12 and 50 years and often overweight.
- the subject is most likely compulsive and relies on manipulation, lying and deception.
- frequently indicates that she has lost a baby or is incapable of having one.
- often married or co-habitating companion's desire for a child or the abductor's desire to provide her companion with "his" child may be the motivation for the abduction.
- Usually lives in the community where the abduction takes place.
- Frequently initially visits nursery and maternity units at more than one healthcare facility prior to the abduction, asks detailed questions about procedures and the maternity floor layout, frequently uses a fire exit stairwell for her escape and may also try to abduct from the home setting.
- usually plans the abduction, but does not necessarily target a specific infant; frequently seizes any opportunity present.
- frequently impersonates a nurse or other allied healthcare personnel.
- often becomes familiar with healthcare staff, staff work routines, and victim parents.
- demonstrates a capability to provide "good" care to the baby once the abduction occurs.
