Bee Editorial
Everyone should be on alert for predators
In light of reports of attempted child abductions across Western New York, Amherst police are sending out a warning to parents: teach children about stranger danger.

Now that spring has arrived, youths are outside more, playing in yards and not always with a parent's eagle eye upon them. Unfortunately, it can take just a split second for a child to disappear, so everyone should be on alert when out and about.

In these cases, you can never be too careful. With houses close to the streets in many parts of town, an abductor could come and go before the parents know what happened.

This weekend, a family was forced to address a situation that could have involved a predator. Amherst police investigated a man who was driving a pickup truck in town and pulled up to a house where children were playing. The man asked the children if they knew someone in the area. Their mother then stepped up, and the man left the area. She was right to be concerned and to take action during the situation. Making her presence known and approaching the man were the right things to do. When there is any suspicion, it's best not to ignore it.

In this case, the man was checked out by police and found to be no threat to the town, but Amherst Assistant Chief Timothy Green said that with other incidents being reported around the county, it's a good time to remind parents to talk to their children about stranger danger.

They should discuss playing too close to the roadway, keeping track of friends and the buddy system. The Web site, www.safetycops. com, reminds parents to teach children not to talk with strangers. Period. Youths should be told not to approach a motor vehicle for someone asking directions. SafetyCops say adults don't need directions from children.

Youths are sometimes alone when walking to school or waiting at a bus stop, but that can be avoided with the buddy system. Arrangements should be made so a child doesn't have to be alone.

SafetyCops adds that if a stranger does approach your child, tell him or her to remember the license plate number of the motor vehicle and to report this information to you immediately.

Don't assume it was nothing and discount what your child has to tell you. Call your local police and report any suspicious activity.

You are the eyes and ears of your community. The police can't be in all places at all times. Get involved and report suspicious activity and not just to your neighbor.