MAXIMISE THIS WINDOW TO READ BEST: It's also a bit long so think as you read and let the cartoons load slowly.

Hi Kids,

There are too many stories of missing kids in the news today so whether it has increased or not, is something we should constantly think about and also try to teach our parents more about. I think we need to have a refresher on a regular basis.

Just like your battery needs replacing in your smoke detector. Occasionally make sure you go over these things with your parents and make sure they take notes. Above all tell them that it's not always a  STRANGER who is the bad  person and if we say that someone they like very much is being horrible to us then they should believe us and help us. Most of the time a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet but we need to follow some rules for the ones who aren't because even if children know how to avoid trouble,  trouble sometimes
-- in the form of dangerous strangers -- may find them. Children always  encounter strangers when parents are not around. Most strangers are well-meaning and not to be feared, but because children are trusting and vulnerable, they can fall for offers by adults who seem kind, but are not. Friendly strangers can be dangerous strangers. Strangers who offer treats to children may be offering threats instead. A stranger is: Anyone you don't know really really well. Ask Mum and Dad to make you a "Trust list". and never ever go in the houses or the cars of people not on the list.  

Our Roving Reporter from Childwatch-foundation  Explains!                                 
 Naughty people don't always look like this kids!!  
                                             So let's look at  Stranger Danger!!!!! 
  This innocent looking chappy ( as we kids all know by now) is used by the stranger as a naughty accomplice. 
 The stranger uses his accomplice by offering to let kids play with him. Or by pretending that the puppy is
 lost and  asking kids to help find it. Then when the kids are away from where they can be seen by grown-ups he
 captures them and doesn't let them go home again.

This stranger offers kids rides, sweets, presents, money or medicine if they go with him. Then when the kids are away from where they can be seen by grown-ups he captures them and doesn't let them go home again.
This stranger stops his car, calls out to kids for directions or something else. Then when kids go closer it is easy for him to pull them into his car. Then he captures them and doesn't let them go home again.
 

This stranger tricks kids into giving them their name or address and then he waits till their parents are out,  and doesn't let them go home again so kids; never open the door to anyone you do not know.

                       
This stranger telephones to find kids who are alone. Then he goes round and captures or robs them; So never tell callers that you are home alone. Say mom or dad can not come to the phone because they are in the bath or are asleep and will call them back.

This stranger   tricks kids into telling him their family holiday plans or other information about your home. Then when your away he goes round and steals things.

This stranger hangs around toilets or the playground and wants to play with you or your friends.  Sometimes he       brings 
with him. Then he captures them and doesn't let them go home again. 

So what can we do?

Our Roving Reporter has a few tips!
Firstly remember " If in doubt then shout!!!! "


- If a stranger in a car bothers you, turn and run in the opposite direction. It is not easy for a car to
   change directions suddenly.

- When frightened, run to the nearest person you can find - find a teacher or police officer, a person working in a garden, or a neighbour's house or shop. While you should always stay away from strangers who approach you, it is okay for you to ask an adult you do not know for help.
If a stranger tries to follow you on foot or tries to grab you, remember SSK ( Scream, Shout and Kick ) then run away,  and make lots of noise. The last thing a dangerous stranger wants is a lot of attention.

- Kids spend a good part of their lives at school - in the classroom and on the playground. Strangers who want to hurt children know this too. While you are at school and at home you are safe but find out what your school's policy is for children leaving school premises with adults other than their parent or guardian. Also, find out what school security measures exist to ensure kids' safety. Get your mum and Dad to get together with other parents if you find these rules to be not good enough then get them to work together with school  and law enforcement officials to improve school security. You won't be sorry!

- It is normal and natural for you to spend time playing or travelling out of the sight of trusted and caring adults. The best way to keep trouble away is to avoid areas and situations where trouble might lurk. 

- Never play alone in deserted areas such as the woods, alleys, deserted buildings or new building sites.

- Always stick to the same safe route in travelling to and from school or a friend's house.

- Always try to play or walk with friends. It is safer and more fun.

- Never play or hang around in such public areas as toilets or lifts.

- Try to wait with a friend for public transportation. Try to sit near the driver on the bus.

- Never show a lot of money in public. Carry lots of money only if necessary and keep it in a pocket until needed.

- Never, Never, Never hitchhike. Never!!

- Never walk or play alone outside at night.

- Always tell a family member or other adult in charge where you will be at all times, and what time you will be home.

- Walk confidently and stay alert to where you are and what is going on around you.

    And now some words of Advice for Mum's and Dads.
    How children respond to trouble will depend upon their age and the particular circumstances they
    encounter but they seldom tell lies about abuse. So as uncomfortable as it may be, put your trust in them
    and investigate (discretely at first) if they tell you that they are being abused, even if it is by a loved one.
    Don't close your eyes just because you don't want to believe what they are saying.

- Make sure that your child knows what to do and where to go when feeling threatened.

- While it is important for a child to know how to avoid and spot danger, it is also critical that a child knows how to respond quickly and wisely when confronted with trouble. Children should understand that there are many people they can depend on and should turn to when they feel unsafe.

- Teach children who their friends are, it is your job is to protect them but you should also be their friend. They should also know to run and seek out a trusted teacher, neighbour, or a friend's parent, when frightened or feeling endangered.
  Children should know that they need report trouble right away.

 Make sure that your children know how to operate the telephone, to call for emergency assistance:
                                         999
They should know how to dial " 9-9-9," and any other emergency numbers used in your area.
They should memorize their area code and phone number, and maybe a friend's number as well.
They should memorize your work number.

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, and that of a close relative or friend's number posted near all the phones in your house.

Barry Schiller.    

  Please use this page as a guideline and please pass it along to as many others as possible. 
and let us know what you think of it or any ideas you may have Barry_Schiller@Crimespotters.org and Teachers please make sure that it is passed around your school. 

Contact Barry_Schiller@Crimespotters.org

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