WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Louise Newell is the operations manager at the National Crime Agency’s UK Missing Persons Unit. She gives her insight into missing child cases
Q
What are the most common reasons children go missing?
A
Recent data from the National Missing Persons Data Report shows that 19% of children who go missing report relationship problems in the family or among their peers.
But we are reliant on a return-home interview. If the child isn’t ready to talk or simply isn’t able to verbalise whatever trauma they may have experienced, we will never really know the true circumstances.
Q
What are the best ways to prevent children going missing?
A
Talk to your child. Make sure they know you are always there and they always have a safe place to go to.
Q
What do you do if your child is missing?
A
Call 999. Check with friends and locations where they might be. It’s always useful to have a full description, what they were wearing, phone numbers, bank cards and social-media handles. Even if you think a piece of information is irrelevant, tell the police.
Q
How do searches differ with age?
A
Search specialists will refer to manuals in relation to specific agerelated parameters. For example, a 5-year-old is unlikely to travel a great distance alone, has the ability to hide in small places and is unlikely to be able to use public transport – and even if they did, it’s likely they’ll be noticed. On the flip side, 15-year-olds have a certain level of independence. Access to a mobile phone, bank accounts, social media and friends who’ll have information that parents may not. They’ll be able, to a certain degree, to avoid being seen or found if they wish.
Q
How long will the police search?
A
For as long as there is a realistic likelihood of locating a child, the search will continue. Even after decades, police forces will review the case to determine if there are any missed opportunities, new lines of inquiry or new investigative techniques that can be applied.
Q
What support is available for families of missing children?
A
The charity Missing People has a wealth of information and support for families, and there are also numerous local support groups. Go to missingpeople.org.uk.