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1 Analysis of Attempted Abduction Trends January 1, 2005–December 31, 2024 The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children tracks and analyzes attempted abductions looking for trends and patterns that help our work with law enforcement and the public to protect children from abduction. Since January 1, 2005, NCMEC has tracked and analyzed 16,122 attempted abduction incidents impacting a total of 20,438 children, and in 2024 alone, we tracked attempted abduction incidents involving 712 children. Understanding where and when these incidents occur, the tactics used and details about how children got away can help law enforcement with their investigations and can ensure that prevention resources are addressing the risks that children may face. Included with the data are some safety tips that can help protect children. Additional resources to make conversations about safety easier are available at NCMEC.org/KidSmartz . The Children 62% of children targeted in attempted abductions were female. 34% of the children were between the ages of 10–14 years old. Of the incidents that had a known outcome of how the child escaped the suspect: 50% of the children walked or ran away from the suspect (no physical contact). 28% of the children reported some type of reaction (yelling, kicking, pulling away or attracting attention). 22% of the incidents involved either a Good Samaritan or a parent intervening. Tips Find opportunities or “teachable moments” and use “what if” scenarios to help children understand how to react in a real situation. If anyone tries to grab your children tell them it’s okay to resist or put up a fight by walking, running, pulling away, yelling or kicking!2 Copyright © 2025 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved. NCMEC.org Tips The Suspects. The Timing of Attempted Abductions. 65% of attempted abductions involved the suspect driving a vehicle. 93% of the suspects were male. 21% of confirmed incidents involved a sex crime of either sexual assault or indecent exposure. 13% were registered sex offenders at the time of the incident (for incidents in which a suspect was identified or arrested). For the incidents in which the suspect used a known lure, the five most used lures were: 23% Asking the child questions. 22% Offering the child a ride. 9% Offering the child candy or sweets. 6% Offering the child money. 6% Telling the child to do something. Teach your children never to walk up to someone’s car even if they say they need help or directions. Teach your children to check with you before changing plans or accepting rides from anyone. 35% of attempted abductions occurred between 2–7 p.m., which is the time frame when children are out of school and are least likely to be supervised. 32% of children targeted were going to or from school or a school-related activity. Tips Know the routes your children take, especially to and from school, and point out places they should avoid and where they can go for help. Encourage your kids to trust their instincts and if anything makes them uncomfortable, get out of the situation and tell a trusted adult. Notes: Attempted abduction incidents focus on situations involving a person unknown to the child and exclude online enticement. Law enforcement is not required to report attempted abductions to NCMEC. This document includes confirmed incidents gathered by NCMEC analysts from law enforcement agencies and media reports, which are then verified with law enforcement.Next >