The problem, don't take chances, be street smart

The problem

Child abductions that result in murder are rare, but they sure make the headlines. However, even one of these cases is too many. Each year, there are about 100 children who are abducted and later found murdered.

Nearly 3/4 of all children abducted in these instances, are dead within three hours of the abduction. It leaves authorities in a tough position to act in a child abduction. It also leaves it almost completely in the hands of the child to either avoid the abduction to begin with, or to escape and elude death at the hands of his or her attacker.

Most abductions like this are a crime of opportunity. Very few are planned out. So with a little bit of precautions training with your child, you can ensure that they survive any potential abduction.

Don’t take chances

Many times, children are abducted because parents take chances with their kids that they probably shouldn’t. Try to avoid things like these:

·	Don’t send children on short errands, not even to the neighborhood store.

·	Avoid having your children play outside in the yard after dark, unless there is a parent supervising. For that matter, have a parent around to supervise any time children are playing in the front yard.

·	If children are ever on their own, keep them in pairs. A lone child is a much bigger target for an abductor.

·	Get a watch going with other neighborhood parents, so that children are always supervised at the bus stop or walking to and from school. If it is possible, take turns walking the kids from the bus stop to reduce the threat of not only an abductor, but of a possible pedestrian accident.

·	Remember that most murder abductions are abductions of opportunity. Do your best to eliminate that opportunity to begin with.

Teaching children to be street smart

There are several ways that children can increase their safety chances when they are out and about in their neighborhood. Teach children these basic rules for being street smart, and make sure that you check with your children that these rules are being followed as much as possible. If your child wants to go somewhere, make sure it is arranged for another friend to go with her. On a regular basis, ask who your child played with, who they walked with, which route they took, etc. Safety starts with parents who press the issue.

Teach your kids to always go with another friend or adult whenever they are out and about. There is safety in numbers, and it is always more difficult for a potential abductor to target two children as opposed to one. Rarely does this happen. They will go after a child who is all alone, so that they can snatch them quickly without any witnesses.

·	Tell them to stay out in the open. Avoid going places where nobody else can see you. People sometimes look for kids in places where the child can’t be seen easily.

·	Children need to pay attention to your surroundings. Keep an eye out for everything around you. Cars that go by, people that are out and about, etc. If you see anything that looks suspicious, stay away from it.

·	If they walk to school, always direct them to walk along the same route. Discuss with them the best route to school, and always stay on that route, so that people know where to look in case you are missing.