A missing person is someone whose whereabouts
is unknown.
It may be out of character for them to be missing.
They could have been a victim of crime or be at risk or pose a risk
to others.
If you have contacted family and friends to
check the person you’re worried about isn’t somewhere unexpected,
you should report your concerns as soon as possible.
How can I report a missing
person?
If you think the person is in immediate danger, always call
999.
Call us on 0800 40 50 40 to
report a missing person.
You can also call your local police on
101, visit your nearest police station or speak to
a police officer or police community support officer in
person.
What will the police want to know?
- Their name, age and address
- A description of them, including what wearing when they were
last seen
- Where they go regularly, for example, work, school, social
activities
- When you last saw them or heard from them
- Who their family and friends are
- How they have been recently – if they have been upset or acting
out of character
- Whether they have access to money
- Whether you have a recent photograph of them
The police will also want to search the person’s home to see if
there are any clues that could help with the search for them.
They may also want to share information about
the missing person with the media to ask the public to report any
sightings of them.
When someone is found
The majority of people reported missing are
found very quickly.
If the police find a person aged under 18,
their parent(s) or guardian(s) will usually be told their
whereabouts unless police believe the child’s safety is at
risk.
If the person is aged over 18, the police
won’t pass on their whereabouts without their permission.
Where else can I get
help?
You should always report a missing person to
police.
The Missing People charity can
help to support you after you have made the report and offer
aftercare services to support you once your loved one returns
home.
They can also help you if you are missing or
thinking of going missing.