Child molesters and abductors usually look like everyday
people. Tell your kids not to talk to adults they do not know.
Anytime they are approached by an adult they should check with a
parent or trusted adult immediately.
How Child Molesters Gain A Child's Confidence
Often times they will befriend a child by asking for help.
Some examples are: Asking to help find a lost pet; asking
directions to someone's house; offering reward money for
assistance; saying Mom or Dad have been hurt or need their help;
acting like an undercover police officer (children should only
approach uniformed police officers, and/or marked police
cars).
They may also gain your child's trust by very minor contacts
over several days, such as saying hello to them repeatedly. Make
sure your children know to tell you if a stranger is trying to
make friends with them.
Children Are Most Vulnerable When Alone
Individuals who prey on children wait for an opportunity when
the child is alone. Children should not be outside their home by
themselves, even for short periods of time. They should walk to
and from school and bus stops in groups.
Working together with other families in your neighborhood to
develop a formal plan for kids to walk together is a good
idea.
Parents are encouraged to join or organize a Neighborhood
Watch program in their community.
Tell Children To Stay Away From Cars
A car or other vehicle is often the means by which the
abductor removes the child from the neighborhood. Children should
never approach a vehicle unless they are absolutely sure
they know the occupants. Abductors entice children to walk near
their vehicles and then pull them inside.
If children routinely see the same car parked (or following
them) on their normal walking routes (to and from school, etc.)
they should report it to trusted adults immediately.
Role Play With Your Kids
Act like a stranger and see how your children react. Teach
them the proper way to respond. Kids should:
Run away.
Yell loudly.
Say exactly what is happening
Examples:
"Help, this is not my Dad."
"Help, this is not my Mom."
"Help, I'm being kidnapped."
"Help, call the police."
If Children just scream, people may think they are only throwing
a temper tantrum.
The more you practice the better your children will be at
responding to difficult situations.
Report Any Suspicious Activity Immediately
Talk to your children about safety practices on a daily basis. Children
do not put the same emphasis on suspicious activity as adults. Asking
them direct questions ("Did you talk to anyone new today?") may bring
suspicious acts to light. If they report anything suspicious call
the nearest local law enforcement agency or the nearest Illinois
State Police District.
Tips
for Reporting Suspicious Activity
Obtain the following information and report immediately.
SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE
1. License Plate Number and State
2. Color of Vehicle
3. Body Style (2dr, 4dr, Wagon,etc.)
4. Location and Direction of Travel
5. Description of Occupants
SUSPICIOUS PERSON
1. Race
2. Sex
3. Clothing (Hat, Jacket, Shirt, Pants, Shoes)
4. Facial Features
Hair Color
Hair Length
Mustache, Beard
Glasses
Scars
Missing Teeth
5. Height
6. Weight
7. Location and Direction of Travel
IMMEDIATELY REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Help Keep Your Child Safe
Children Should Try To Stay In Groups...
There is strength in numbers. In each of the recent cases the
children have been alone.
Take Time To Know Your Surroundings...
Be aware that the most dangerous times can be just
before and after school.
Strangers Don't Always Look Evil...
A child should never talk to people they don't
know.
Walk Away From Streets...
Children should stay on sidewalks or at least six feet from
the street.
Stay Away From Cars...
Children should never approach a car or truck no matter
what the occupants say.
Yell And Tell...
If someone grabs a child, the child should scream and
yell out "HELP ME -- CALL THE POLICE."
Recognize, React, and Report...
When children think they see danger, they should run and
tell an adult immediately.
If you have information about the location of a
missing child,
please call the
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
at toll-free number
1-800-U-HELP-ME
1-800-(843-5763)
