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Human LoJack reunites autistic train-riding teen with parents

LoJack reports MBTA Transit Police used the human version of its tracking system to find an East Boston teen with a predilection for wandering away from home and school to ride the rails underneath Boston.

The company says yesterday's safe return marks the first successful use of its SafetyNet Service since it was introduced in Boston in January:

Approximately 20 minutes after arriving at North Station [where he left his father], officers with the MBTA Transit Police began picking up a signal emitting from the missing boy's SafetyNet Bracelet. The signal was coming from Downtown Crossing and was strongest underground. Officers went underground into the subway, boarded a train and were able to locate the boy, who was heading southbound.

The teen is well known to local police, who had always managed to find him safe, although sometimes after extensive searches that included requesting help from the public.

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Comments

I love this kid

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I always feel so warmly towards this kid. Like we're all looking out for him. I 'm really glad they got this bracelet for him. That's awesome.

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Wonder how one gets a person in the program.

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https://safetynetbylojack.com/

It's actually quite amazing and effective but unfortunately I don't see many inner city people being able to afford the expense. Especially in this economy

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I agree that the $50/month tag is a bit pricey. Some counties in Mass(not Suffolk)have Project Lifesaver, which uses the same Safetynet bracelets. It is generally less expensive for families there, sometimes even free.

We are in Norfolk Co., and have had it for my son for a good three years. He wears the device on his ankle, and we have made the call to have it activated twice - both times locating him before the police have arrived.

And before someone comments on how I must be a bad parent to let him run off... Wandering and bolting are extremely common among children with autism. And is it any wonder? Most kids on the spectrum have limited impulse control, limited safety awareness, and perseverative interests (like this kid obviously has with trains - a common one among autistic boys).

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The service fee for SafetyNet is $30 a month - just a dollar a day.

If affording it is an issue, I still urge people to call us and talk with the Customer Care Specialist (which happens to be me) about funding options that may be available in your area.

And right now SafetyNet is offering 6 months free during our Race to Keep Safe event. Please call us at 877-434-6384 or visit our website at www.safetynetbylojack.com for more information. You can also enroll online as well - quick and easy!

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For Alzheimer's people too!

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Let me start the shit-show by saying, This is exactly the kind of activity our police officers should have to spend their time with.

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Well they'll have to deal with it either way. SafetyNet is clearly the efficient way and nearly guarantees a find. It's much quicker for police and also ensures that he's not alone for long.

You can go on and on about parent responsibility, which I agree that he should have a caregiver with him/monitoring his whereabouts, but if this is going to happen, it might as well be this way.

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And why am I paying for this special education crap? Don't schools have better things to do with their resources?

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You think you don't have a special needs kid because your genes are so superior? Because you are a perfect breeder?

Spare us all the dramatics, please.

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Turn on your sarcasm detector.

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... which generally include paying taxes for the general welfare, well, please, by all means move to Mogadishu.

No taxes = no civilization.

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Very high unregulated direct taxation, otherwise known as "bribery".

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I always knew you were, even when the others disagreed.

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cops have always dealt with this stuff, its not new

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I advocated (as anon) for this the last time he disappeared.

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Several times on this site, I had recommended Lojack for this kid. In fact, I was criticized here more than once for "over recommending" it. Eventually, I reached out to a friend at Lojack who helped make the arrangements. I was at lunch today when I got the text message telling me it worked.

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The monthly service fee for SafetyNet is $30 - which is a dollar a day. We understand that $30/month still may be a hardship for some families, and in that case we still urge you to call us and talk to the Customer Care Specialist (which just happens to be me) who can check for available funding opportunities in your area. Many non-profits have stepped up to help fund those who need it.

Right now, SafetyNet is promoting the Race to Keep Safe event. We want everyone who wants to try SafetyNet to do so...for free. Free for six months if you sign up before September 30th. Read more about it on our website www.safetynetbylojack.com. You can also enroll online as well; it is quick and easy!

Our phone number is 877-434-6384. Please call with any questions, check availability in your area, or to enroll.

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