Kidnapping EXISTS

Kidnapping, also spelled kidnaping, criminal offense consisting of the unlawful taking and carrying away of a person by force or fraud or the unlawful seizure and detention of a person against his will. The stats and facts on kidnapping are disheartening. Has it ever occurred to you that abducted people in the great majority of cases end up killed shortly after the abduction? Did you know that unemployment, poverty, and bad political status may trigger offenders to commit such a horrible crime?

Over 460,000 children go missing each year. Around 5,000 of those missing children are kidnapped. For kidnappers, kids are the easiest target. They are susceptible and defenseless. Most can be lured away by the mere promise of candy or a toy. 4,400 unidentified bodies are found each year in the US. According to the National Institute of Justice, around 1,000 of those bodies remain unidentified after one year. Statistics on kidnapping and missing persons show that there’s a whole host of bodies that remain anonymous for an extended period. And it’s not just children either. Young women looking for work opportunities, disgruntled teenagers, or men who owe money to the wrong people have fallen victim to kidnappers.

Kidnappings are most commonly motivated by money. However, in other cases, kidnapers are inspired by politics, religion, custody disputes, human trafficking, or even premeditated murder.

Kidnapping is a very real threat, wherever you may be in the world or whatever city you may live in. It's not just a problem in third world or politically unstable countries. Each year, tens of thousands of adults and children go missing due to kidnapping, the reason for which may not always be related to money. To protect yourself and your family, here are tips on how to prevent kidnapping:

Find Alternative Routes

If you think there is a threat, find other streets or highways you can use when driving from home to work and back. Kidnappers rely on your routine to track you down and then look for a time when you're most vulnerable to an attack.

Use Pepper Spray to Prevent Kidnapping. Do Not Accept Rides Offered By Strangers

Once you get into a stranger's car, you are at their mercy. They could either incapacitate you or hold you hostage and you might not have an opportunity to defend yourself.

Secure Your Home

Kidnappers don't always snatch their victims off the streets. They can sometimes begin the attack right in your own home. To prevent kidnapping in your own property, close your doors and gates, and install locks or alarms. The more secure you are inside, the more difficult you will be to abduct.

Let Someone Know Where You're Going

If you must meet a new acquaintance, make sure someone knows where you're going and who you're meeting. Leave word with a family member or friend where you're headed and if possible, give the name of the person you're about to meet and other details you might know.

Meet them in a crowded place or somewhere other people can see you. Heavy human traffic is a major deterrent for kidnappers and may just save your life.

Tell Your Child to Never Talk to Strangers

Train your children to avoid strangers, even if they seem friendly and offer gifts. If a stranger asks for help, tell your child to refuse and to call the attention of an adult immediately. If a gift is being offered, tell them not to accept anything.