If older children must be left at home make sure someone can check on them and that they know where and how to reach you. Avoid indicators that you are not home. Open garage doors and newspapers left outside are dead giveaways that you aren't home and that your children are alone and unprotected. Instruct servants never to let strangers in the house. Do not speak openly of family finances or routines.
Kidnappers frequently keep victims under surveillance for several days prior to an abduction.
Tell your children to always let you know where they are going if they are visiting a friend after school, etc. Instruct children to always come straight home from school and not to meander around. Have your children walk home with friends Children should walk in populated areas and avoid isolated streets and shortcuts whenever possible. Children should be told never to talk to strangers. Children should be told never to accept gifts from strangers.