I was reading an article this week published by a self-defense educator, and I learned some things I never thought could make me and/or my children an easy target to a predator.

We have all seen those eye catching signs/stickers on the back of vehicles that read: “My child is a Gymnast,” “Baby on Board,” My child is an Honor Student at ____________,” and even signs placed in yards, home windows and mailboxes espousing: “Home of a Cheerleader,” “Home of a Dancing Doll,” “Jr. High Softball Star,” “Pa Paw and Me Maw’s Place,” etc. According to a self-defense educator and this makes a lot of sense, if you are a proud owner of any of these signs, they could attract predators and you and/or your family can become an easy target.

“A predator can drive through a neighborhood and know from these signs exactly where the prettiest, spunkiest cheerleader lives. Predators can read “Pa Paw and Me Maws Place,” and know that house has a frail and elderly couple living inside that would most likely be very easy to rob. Predators can see a car with “Baby on Board” and know that will be the easiest victim yet, for what mother would not give or do anything to try to keep her baby out of harm’s way? These signs make it so easy for perpetrators to find their next victim.

“And even more disturbing are the cheer and sports signs that clearly spell out the child’s name in plain view. How easy is that for a would-be perpetrator? Children should never walk around with names printed on shirts and backpacks. In a child’s mind, a person who knows their name is no longer a stranger.”

“The danger lies not just with our children however, but also with adults. Did you know that perpetrators go to the mall and carouse the parking lot looking for cars with stuffed animals in the back window and beads hanging from the rear view mirror? They look for cars that obviously belong to young females and then they wait for them to return to their cars so they can attack or abduct them.” Predators see these as helpful and direct clues leading them to their next victim.”

Don’t increase your chances of being a predator’s next victim. Remove all signs, sticker, and unnecessary items from your vehicles and properties. If this helps keep a predator away from you and your family, it’s well worth the sacrifice.

Want to know how many registered sex offenders live near you? In your neighborhood, Children school, Parks, and within a 20 to 30 miles ratios? On this Website, go to Helpful Resources on the far right, and click on SEXUAL PREDATOR SEARCH.