• According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, a child is reported missing every 40 seconds in the U.S. (approximately 800,000 each year in total).
• In 80% of abductions by strangers, the first contact between the child and abductor occurs within a quarter mile of the child’s home. 16% of abducted children are taken from their yard.
• Remember that the first three hours are the most critical when trying to locate a missing child.
• An estimated 100 abducted children are murdered in the United States each year.
• According to a study of child abductions that ended in murder, the most basic elements in these crimes are a motivated offender, an opportunity to commit the crime, and ineffective guardians.
• Although most people may believe that younger children make up the highest percentage of abductions, children 12-17 actually make up 58% of all abductions. Teens need to be educated, too.
• Remember to trust your instincts and to refrain from allowing children to walk to school or play outside alone