The ultimate blame for any sexual assault or rape will always be upon the offender. He or she is the one responsible for his or her own actions. Some of the blame must be laid upon the justice system though. Here was a known three-time loser who was once again prowling the streets. Gary Cox used one of the most common yet affective guises when he approached these girls, he posed as a police officer.
Most children are taught police officers are their friends.
That if they are in trouble, the child should find a police officer to help them. I can't help thinking of how unlikely it is any of these girls will ever feel safety when calling the police for help or even when one is simply around them. Usually good strangers but still a stranger. One of the best things a parent can do to increase the safety of their children is to do role-playing with them. A real policeman will honor the attempt at safety by the child, a child abuser or abductor will not.