Police Warn Parents to Keep a Close Eye on Kids This Summer

By Adrianna Iwasinski, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With summer in full swing, police are working to remind parents to be extra vigilant and keep a close eye on their children.

Many families are hitting the local parks, ponds and pools this summer, but with so much going on, police said it can be hard to keep an eye on your child at all times. Police said that's what pedophiles and others who prey on children are counting on.

Even on a carefree walk through the park, 4-year-old Dakota is always within reach of his grandmother.

"We do not let him out of our sight. We're always holding hands," said Dakota's grandmother June Busch.

Busch said she's more watchful now than ever before. She said even a trip to the bathroom is a family affair.

"Well when he goes to the bathroom, we go to the bathroom. We do not let him go by himself," Busch said. "He's at the age where he wants to do everything."

Police said pedophiles and others who prey on children are just looking for opportunities to be alone with an unsuspecting child, and a bathroom can create the perfect scenario.

"You never know where that danger is lurking," said Glynda Chu, Edmond Police Department. "You cannot let your kids out of your sight. That is the rule of today."

Chu said even though police patrol the area parks, they can't be everywhere all the time. That's why police said it is so important for the public to be on the lookout for anything or anyone acting suspicious.

"Call 911, we'll be there in a matter of minutes and we'll handle it," Chu said.

Police said another place pedophiles look for opportunity is at the mall, so they are encouraging parents to never let their children go alone or unsupervised there as well.