Is that because the danger is so low, or because we're so paranoid?

It's the car alarm problem -- if it's deterring theft, theft stats would go down, making us wonder if we need the alarm in the first place!

The article explains that child related crimes have declined at a rate similar to all crime over several decades. I would expect to see a greater rate if the paranoia was effective.

Unless the person killed is the stranger, this senseless retribution must be stopped.

And I avoid being outside when there's a thunderstorm nearby.