Kidnappers are people that can look just like anyone else, which makes them especially difficult to identify. A kidnapping can occur in an instant, but there are some telltale signs of abduction that if you keep vigilant, you should be able to catch someone who may have bad intentions before they are able to act. Keeping your children safe is a very important part of parenthood, and with the ever-present threat of a kidnapper being at your schools, playgrounds, grocery stores, and even sometimes on the internet it is important to know how to prevent this from happening.

Common Red Flags To Look Out For.

• Just like most anyone else, kidnappers rarely approach their intentions without a plan. When you’re out in public, if you have a careful eye you can usually catch them in the act. One of the most common strategies kidnappers use is bribery. Children tend to be very trusting, even towards strange adults. Kidnappers know this and can use it to their advantage by offering something the child wants, like toys or candy, to lure them away or into their cars.
• Another common tactic kidnappers will use is to get another child to lure a child away. Kids are much more likely to respond well to other children, and kidnappers also know this and can use it to their advantage. If you see your child speaking to an unfamiliar child at the playground, for instance, then start to leave the playground with another child it may be best to intervene to ensure your child’s safety.
• Adults asking children for help, whether in their car or out of their car, is a huge red flag. It’s not often that you see an adult pull over and ask a child for directions, for help finding their lost pet, or for anything really. Because of children’s trusting natures, they’re prime targets for this kind of approach. They don’t realize that an adult would know better than to ask a strange child for help, most children don’t know directions, wouldn’t be very good for helping find a strange dog or most tasks that a stranger might need help with.
• The language used by both the child and the kidnapper can be a major sign. If you hear an adult refer to a child as “miss” or “mister” something could be strange about it, because that’s typically not language someone uses with people they’re comfortable with. Screaming children can also be a sign, because while all children do have tantrums sometimes if a child is nervously asking where they are going or screaming something like “let go of me” it usually means that something is seriously not right with the situation that is happening.
• A lot of kidnappers will act as family members, and use flattery to gain trust. They may act like they are the child’s uncle there to pick them up from school because their parents are in the hospital or tell the child that they can make them famous. The latter is much more common with teenagers than young children.

Seeing The Signs Of Abduction Is The Best Preventative Measure.

If you see any of these signs, even if it’s not your kid it may be best to act. This is not a full list of every red flag to look out for, but generally, if you see an adult acting strangely towards a kid it may be best to make sure everything is okay. Kidnappings happen every day, unfortunately, but there are ways to prevent them, especially if you’re able to catch the warning signs early.