100,000 kids disappear every year; fight back!

On January 7, 1980, Mrs. Jones drove her 16-year-old son, Bruce, to school. As Bruce closed the car door, he shouted, "See you tonight!" But Mrs. Jones didn't see her son that night. Or the next. No one saw him in class that day, either. But somebody must have seen Bruce--the day after he disappeared, his wallet was found in a trash can 25 miles from school. Bruce is still gone. "MISSING" was the word they stamped on the police report.

If you think crimes arnt's committed against small children and teenagers, think again. Every year approximately 100,000 kids are listed as missing, and thousands more are victims of rape, murder, assault, robbery, puse-snatching and pickpocketing. Why are kids targets? Small children are naturally very trusting. Unless they have been taught at home to be aware of people around them, particularly strangers, they can find themselves in serious trouble. But don't teenagers know better? Yes, but sometimes caution takes a back seat. Obiously you're too old to have an adult with you at all times. But you should practice some basic techniques to keep you safe. YOUR STRONGEST WEAPONS AGAINST CRIME ARE YOUR FRINDS

Being with your friends is your greatest weapon against crime--that and good old common snse. When you travel with a group of friends, you make it very difficult for a criminal to approach you--no criminal wants a witness. So strengthen the buddy system in your neighborhood--walk home with friends, particularly ar night, and make sure all of you get home safely. If there are only two of you, walk to either one's home and call parents to pick the other one up. Or call each other on the phone to make sure you've arrived at your destination safely.

Always let someone at home know where you'll be and what time you'll be home. That's a tough rule to follow; most teenagers like to come and go as they please. But telling someone where you are is not being tied to the apron strings, it's common courtesy that even adults practice. How would you feel if you didn't know where your parents were, didn't know when they'd be home--and it was three o'clock in the morning? HOW NOT TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR A CRIME

First there's the buddy system; then there are rules to help you avoid being a victim.

* Be alert when walking down the street--and look confident! Notice who is walking behind you, in front of you, and who's passing you by.

* Never walk home alone from a friend's house or school if you have the slightest doubt about your safety. Call your parents and ask them to pick you up or express your concern to a teacher.