AFTER a home break-in and terrifying kidnapping threats, the family of Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson is taking drastic steps to protect the 7-year-old reality TV sensation!
The ENQUIRER has learned that someone has been calling Alana’s school in rural McIntyre, Ga., threatening to abduct the pint-size star of the TLC hit “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” Concern over that, as well as a recent break-in at the family’s home, has prompted matriarch June “Mama” Shannon to hire a full-time bodyguard to protect her daughter.
“June is terrified,” a source revealed exclusively to The ENQUIRER. “With the threats on Alana’s safety increasing, security is being provided for her around the clock.”
While the family hopes the threats are just a vicious prank, they secretly fear that Alana may have been targeted by a demented celebrity stalker or, even worse, a pedophile, says the source.
“There was a meeting with all the teachers at Alana’s school,” the source continued. “They have been instructed to keep an eye on Alana, and they know to report anything suspicious immediately.”
The abduction threats are particularly worrisome because police were summoned to the family’s home to investigate a possible break-in on Aug. 27.
“Nothing was stolen that they know of, but the police take every threat very seriously,” said the source. “They warned the family that whoever broke into the home may have been casing the place for a future kidnap attempt by someone convinced that TLC would pay a huge ransom for their newest little star.”
“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” premiered to huge ratings on Aug. 8. The show’s breakout star, Alana, has been a viewer favorite ever since she appeared on the child beauty pageant show “Toddlers & Tiaras” earlier this year.
The family’s current residence – located in an isolated, heavily wooded area of McIntyre, next to the railroad tracks and behind a sub shop – makes them an easy target for a kidnapping.
“They’ve thought about moving, but the problem is that TLC has them locked under contract to keep their lifestyle – and that means they have to stay put,” explained the source.
Added another insider: “Face it, this is a poor area, and Honey Boo Boo’s family is now seen as the wealthiest one around.”
