Florida police urges kidnapping awareness
Florida police have urged residents to be more aware of their surroundings as cases of kidnapping rise.
Kidnapping for ransom cases has been on the increase for many years, and Florida police are urging residents to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Florida Police Station’s Lieutenant Colonel Sipho Dlamini has shared safety tips for residents following the recent kidnapping of Florida businessman Mark Ramos and two other kidnappings in the Roodepoort area, as well as reports from the provincial kidnapping task team.
Dlamini says that kidnappers will go to any length to charge as much as possible for ransom from the families of their victims. This includes targeting children.
“School children are at greatest risk on school days before and after school,” he says, adding that kidnappings most often occur between 07:00 and 09:00, between 15:00 and 16:00, and between 18:00 and 19:00.
“Attempted abductions most often occur on the street while children are playing, walking, or riding bikes. Parents are requested to educate children about safety and not to talk to, or get in a vehicle from strangers.”
Dlamini says that the assumption only rich people with lots of money are targeted is false.
“In most cases, kidnappers ask for ransom in the form of money, but we have also encountered cases where they have demanded things like food or petrol for the release of their loved ones.”
According to Dlamini the old ‘stranger danger’ approach is the safest.
“Always be mindful of strangers. Unfortunately, nowadays you never know what their intentions may be.
“Be on the lookout for anyone that may be following you on foot or in a car, and do not hesitate to run and scream if someone tries to convince or force you to go with them against your will.”
Dlamini says that a common modus operandi is to ask for help with something.
“Kidnappers would ask you for help and catch you off-guard. We urge parents to teach their children that it is not their duty to help a stranger, especially a grownup, with anything.”
Dlamini concludes that, while children and people of means are the most common targets, anyone can become a victim, as these crimes are often opportunistic.
“We urge residents to educate their children on the dangers of kidnapping, and the importance of being vigilant at all times.”
