Kidnap Warning In Richmond

We rarely hear of warnings about potential kidnappings, but it has happened in the school district of Richmond in Canada. Parents in the Vancouver suburb received a letter and a tip sheet, which outlined how they can keep their children safe. What triggered this action? According to the RCMP, they received information that the kidnapping of an Asian student might occur within the next few weeks. As a result, they immediately took action by informing concerned families about the potential threat.

What is contained in the letter and the tip sheet? CBC News has the story:

The letter from the school board urges parents to be “extra vigilant, communicate with your children, and educate them on safety tips such as walking in groups and in well-lit, high-traffic areas … the RCMP also advises that children should yell, scream, and do whatever they can do to get the attention of passers-by if approached by a stranger.” The letter suggested children walk to school with an adult and not another child.

While these things may seem common sense – and indeed, many parents probably teach these to their kids already – I think that it was still prudent of the authorities to send out written warnings to the families. After all, sometimes people do not take news seriously. They think that the media might be exaggerating things.

Actually, some parents who received the letter and tip sheet have already expressed thoughts along those lines. Some parents have said that they already know these things and that they are not going to make any changes to their behavior and routines. Much like some of the comments I read on this story, I cannot help but feel irritated at those parents who seem to be taking the action of the RCMP lightly. True, letters and tip sheets might not deter serious kidnappers. True, they may already have measures in place to keep their children safe. But then, there is no need to diss the authorities when they try to carry out an information campaign like this one, is there?

Indeed, the maxim “better safe than sorry” is so applicable to this situation. While the threat is merely that right now – a threat – there is no saying as to what might happen in the next few weeks. Extra vigilance can go a long long way in keeping one’s child alive. I just hope that nothing will happen, or if something does, the police will be able to act quickly on it.

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