Nowadays, children and students are seen asking for a free lift from strangers. At nearly all places, one can see students requesting motorists, especially the two-wheeler riders, a lift to their destinations. It is said the children do so to save time and money. But it’s not a safe thing to do.
Kerala Police has sent an alert to the students, parents and teachers to be careful about hitchhiking with strangers. The children may end up in the clutches of drug rackets and paedophiles, warn city police. This is in the wake of incidents of abductions and cases of children missing in various parts of the state.
According to City Police, ganja peddlers have turned this trend into their favour. They give students free rides and get the latter to act as mules. Ganga Peddlers trap students by giving them drugs for free. The supply is then increased based on the demand. Mostly, students between 12 and 17 years seek lifts from strangers. At this age, kids can be easily corrupted.
Parents and school authorities need to prevent kids from hitchhiking. City Police will soon launch a special awareness session at all schools in the city limits from the next academic year. Police will address this issue with the parents and school authorities during the pre-opening sessions.
