Where I'm from (Eastern Europe), this is not generally a thing. Is it easier to kidnap a child using a white van? Or do the would-be kidnappers always use white vans so as to be more easily spotted?

Is the plan to kidnap the child and... raise them as a member of one's own family? Try to blackmail the parents? Something worse?

This whole situation is hard for me to understand, your confidence about white vans in particular.

because it's very easy to get someone into a white van and close the doors without much fuss. If you wanted to kidnap someone what would you choose? You've never heard of rape and murder for sexual gratification? I find your innocence unlikely, it makes me think you are intentionally not understanding.