Following the alleged abduction of the teenage girl in East Lubbock on Friday, neighborhoods have reached out to EverythingLubbock.com to voice concerns about their children’s safety. Sergeant Tal English with the Lubbock Police Department said abductions are “very rare'” in the Lubbock area, but that parents can never be too careful.
According to Lubbock Police, there are currently 391 registered sex offenders within the Lubbock city limits and 300 of them were convicted against minors. Sergeant English said the number one tip is to get to know your neighbors.
“All of the time we say our community is our eyes and ears,” said English. “Look at who is in your neighborhood, I’m not saying that person is going to do anything but get to know them for your own protection and those around you.”
Walking home is something students do everyday but Sgt. English said it’s under the parent’s discretion whether or not they should do it alone.
“There’s a lot of variables you need to take into consideration, the age of the child, how many children are walking together, how far away is school,” said English.
Social media plays a unique role as well. There are now apps you can download that allow you to pin point exactly where the closest sex offender is to your home but it goes both ways. Sgt. English said to be aware of what you post out there and how much information you are allowing people to know about you.
“Try to teach them what somebody can find on the internet about you,” said English. “The fact is, the more information you put out there, the more they will know.”
To learn more about sex offenders near you and other safety tips you can visit: https://www.mylubbock.us/departmental-websites/departments/police-department/home
