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Missing Person

Missing Person

A missing person incident occurs when someone’s whereabouts are unknown, and there is concern for their safety. Prompt action, including reporting to the authorities, gathering relevant information, and spreading awareness, can improve the chances of locating them quickly.

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Important Numbers

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999

  • Non-Emergency Police (to report a missing person): 101

  • Missing People UK (Confidential Support & Reporting): 116 000

  • Crimestoppers (Report Information Anonymously): 0800 555 111

  • Childline (Support for Children in Crisis): 0800 1111

  • Samaritans (Mental Health Support): 116 123

  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline (If a person may be at risk due to abuse): 0808 2000 247

Immediate Danger?

If there is an immediate danger to life always call 999

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Before

Before a Person Goes Missing

  1. Keep Updated Records – Maintain recent photos, contact details, and key personal information for family members, especially vulnerable individuals such as children, elderly relatives, or those with medical conditions.

  2. Establish Safety Plans – Have a plan in place for emergencies, including designated meeting points and ways to stay in touch.

  3. Use Tracking or ID Methods – Consider location-sharing apps, wearable ID tags for vulnerable individuals, or GPS trackers where appropriate.

  4. Educate About Safety – Teach children and vulnerable individuals about staying safe, avoiding strangers, and what to do if they get lost.

  5. Know Who to Contact – Familiarise yourself with the process of reporting a missing person to authorities and support organisations.

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During

During a Missing Person Incident

  1. Report Immediately – Contact the police on 999 if the person is in immediate danger, or 101 for non-emergency cases. There is no waiting period to report someone missing.

  2. Gather Key Information – Have details ready, such as their last known location, description, what they were wearing, and any known medical or mental health concerns.

  3. Search Nearby – Check their usual routes, recent locations, and places they frequent. Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they have any information.

  4. Use Social Media and Alerts – Spread awareness via social media, local groups, and missing person organisations. Share clear photos and relevant details.

  5. Stay in Contact with Authorities – Keep in touch with police and search efforts, and provide any new information that arises.

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After

After a Missing Person Is Found

  1. Ensure Their Well-being – Check for medical or emotional distress and seek professional support if needed.

  2. Understand the Circumstances – If possible, find out why they went missing to prevent future incidents, whether due to personal struggles, safety concerns, or other factors.

  3. Reassess Safety Measures – Improve security, tracking, or communication plans to help avoid a repeat situation.

  4. Support and Guidance – Provide emotional and psychological support, and consider professional counselling if necessary.

  5. Update Authorities and Networks – Inform police, social media groups, and anyone involved in the search that the person has been found safely.

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Other Information

  • No Waiting Period – In the UK, you do not need to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. If you are concerned for their safety, report it immediately.

  • High-Risk Cases – Individuals such as children, elderly people, or those with mental health conditions are considered high-risk, and urgent action is taken by authorities.

  • Charities and Support Organisations – Groups like Missing People UK offer support, helplines, and guidance for families dealing with a missing person case.

  • Anonymous Reporting – If you have information about a missing person but wish to remain anonymous, you can report it via Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).

  • Community Assistance – Local communities, social media groups, and neighbourhood watch groups can play a crucial role in spreading awareness and gathering information.

  • Preventative Measures – If someone has gone missing before or is at risk, consider medical ID bracelets, GPS trackers, or emergency contacts saved in their phone.

  • Mental Health Considerations – Many missing person cases involve mental health struggles. If someone has returned after being missing, offering support and understanding can help prevent future incidents.

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Extra Reading

Emergency Preparedness 101: Your Emergency Action Plan
UKSN Crisis Centre

28/01/25, 12:09

:Last Updated

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