Recent bus stop child snatching attempts perturb parents

We asked parents why they are picking up their children from school instead of letting them take the bus.

“It can be impossible sometimes, but we have to do it,” said Lisa Anderson, a parent. “It’s just not worth it to take any chances.”

A father, who requested anonymity, said he has never let his children take the bus even when work schedules make it difficult.

“It’s definitely an issue,” he said. “We know more times than not that child molesters and things check school areas out looking for children.”

That is precisely what happened to Jayme Closs, 13, a Wisconsin girl. Her kidnapper first spotted her getting off of a school bus. Closs escaped after nearly three months in captivity.

Cape Coral Police said there are several things to watch out for to prevent the worst from happening.

“If you see someone just hanging out, either taking pictures or watching the kids or using binoculars,” Master Sgt. Allan Kolak said, “it could be very suspicious, something that should [be] reported immediately.”

Kolak said they would then determine if the person has committed a crime or is going to commit a crime.

Some parents, like Lisa Anderson, would let her child take the bus if she lived close enough to bus stop. But she would maintain vigilance.

“I would walk her to the bus stop,” Anderson said. “You know, stay there until she got on, and be there at the bus stop when she got off. You know, because she’s 8.”