Kidnapping on the rise?
There is a growing concern about kidnapping which, according to ADT, seems to be on the rise.
This comes in the wake of three child kidnapping cases reported in and around Cape Town in recent days and the attempted kidnapping of a 21-year-old student in the north of Johannesburg.
Parents are therefore urged to empower their children, teenagers and young adults students with all the information necessary to respond to any crisis or act of criminality.
Agnieszka Gryn, Fidelity ADT Inland Executive, said there are simple actions that can often keep a child or young adult safe.
Teach your kids the following:
• They must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take short cuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots, and never walk with cellphones and iPads in full view.
• If they are picked up at school, they should always wait inside the school grounds for their lift to arrive.
• Younger children in particular must never get into a stranger’s car; even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and that they have been sent to pick them up. Remind them that you would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them.
• Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect them from school cannot repeat the password you and your children agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately seek help.
• If a stranger approaches your children, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly the person may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and shout. “That very action may have saved the young student’s life in Johannesburg this week,” said Gyn.
• If your child does encounter any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise the person’s physical details and clothing, as well as the vehicle they are in. Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later.
• Make sure your children memorise their full names, address and phone number. By using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111. If they are older they should have some emergency numbers programmed into their phone, or consider installing a safety app on their phone.
Remind students with the following
• Older children should be reminded to keep their valuables out of sight at all times and not to use headphones because this will affect their ability to sense their surroundings. “The more you cut off your senses, the easier it is for someone to take you by surprise. Stay alert!” said Gryn.
• Alter their route: If they are walking home or to public transport, they need to alter their route. “Even if it takes longer, always use a route that is well lit and populated with houses and other pedestrians, instead of taking shortcuts through less-friendly areas. If you feel threatened, you can at least knock on someone’s door for help if you’re walking through a familiar neighbourhood.”
• If you are using a taxi service, ensure it is a bona fide service provider.
• Be extra cautious to set up a date to meet anyone who befriends you on social media. Always meet in a public space with two or three friends as backup.
• Be cautious to be lured by people offering you a job or modelling contract. Remember, there is safety in numbers.
“Quite simply, the same rules that apply to adults need to be instilled in children and young adults, and if someone cannot be found, it is vital to report this to the authorities immediately,” added Gryn.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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