A missing person is someone who has gone missing from their usual network of relationships and where there are genuine concerns for the safety and welfare of that individual. This could be a child, a vulnerable adult or an elderly person who is at risk of harm.
There are a range of reasons people go missing and it is not always possible to explain why they do so. For children, family dysfunction and conflict, issues associated with puberty and peer pressure, mental health problems, abuse/neglect, poor coping skills, drugs or alcohol are common causes of them going missing. For adults, reasons include abduction and homicide.
Those who are concerned about a missing person should contact their local police force immediately. In the UK there is no waiting period before reporting a missing person.
A missed person will then be recorded as a case and their information shared with other police forces in the UK. The family or friends of a missing person may be contacted and with their permission the person’s home may be searched.
For those who are worried about a loved one, it is important to put out an appeal as soon as possible and to gather as much information about the missing person including their clothing last worn, physical description (including glasses, tattoos etc), where they were last seen and friends and relatives they may be in touch with. Using social media is a good way to do this as it can reach a wider audience.