The Chatham-Kent Police Service is offering some tips to help ensure children’s safety in the community.
Police officials say in a study from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, which closely examined 147 child abduction cases between 1970 and 2010, it is known:
– In 68% of these cases, the child was alone when abducted.
– 41% of the abductions occurred in June, July or August.
– Across all age groups, 53% were last seen between the hours of 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
– 45% occurred on a Friday or Saturday.
– 67% were in-transit at the time of abduction (i.e. walking, biking), such as travelling to school, a friend’s home or a nearby park or mall.
“Being armed with this information, as the end of school year approaches we are encouraging all parents to talk to their children about the importance of the Buddy System,” police officials stated.
“As children reach the teenage years and have more freedom and independence, people underestimate the importance of the Buddy System, when in reality it becomes more critical than ever. The study revealed that being alone was one of the most significant risk factors for abduction.”
Please click on the following link with information about the Buddy System: http://billybuddy.ca/app/en/parents
The Chatham-Kent Police Service also encourages all parents to sign up for http://www.missingkidsalert.ca/app/en/
