Ranui abduction: How to keep your kids safe

Police say the boy got off a train at Ranui Station and started walking to his home when he was abducted by a man in a grey van.

The horrific four-hour abduction of an 11-year-old boy in Ranui will have parents worried about how to protect their children from predators.

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Here's what you need to do.

• Teach your child how to get safely to and from school and other places they go - whether they walk, bike or go by bus. Make clear rules about getting home.

• Go to school with your child so that you can show them the safest route.

• Point out places they can go for help when walking to and from places like school and the park.

• Teach the children to walk home together in twos or small groups, not alone. Make other arrangements if someone is away.

• Meet the parents of children in your area and keep in touch.

• Warn children about accepting rides or changing plans without your permission.

• Teach them the tricks would-be abductors use, such as offering money or asking for help.

• Encourage them to tell a trusted adult whenever anything or anyone makes them uncomfortable.

(Sources: New Zealand Police, KidSmartz)