Tips on How to Help Find Missing Persons

Suzy Lamplugh

Suzy Lamplugh, who disappeared in 1986

We’ve all seen posters on shop and public walls, appealing for help to find missing persons. Often they have disappeared without trace, sometimes it may be people with mental health issues, and sometimes perhaps people who don’t even want to be found.

But of course such disappearances are traumatic for families and friends, so here are a few pointers on how to help. Also see our post on how to find lost pets.

If you wish to report a missing person, call the local police station (or dial 999 for emergencies – people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired should register at Emergency SMS to text 999 for emergencies). Or dial 101.

You don’t have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing, you can report as soon as you are concerned. 

Missing Persons helpline

Missing People is a charity that will also pass on information to the Police and provide support. Call on 116 000 (Europe-wide). You can call anonymously (also at Crimestoppers).

Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK, which is quite astounding. That’s over 170,000 people each year. And nearly 75,000 of them are children.

The good news is that most of them are found pretty quickly, the bad news is that many go missing, due to neglect or feeling forced to leave. Read more on how to find help for domestic abuse (for people and pets)

Why Do People Go Missing?

  • Some young people also go missing, due to issues with human trafficking. Many adults go missing due to mental health issues, relationship breakdown, escaping domestic abuse or relationship breakdown.
  • A surprising statistic is that 1 in 50 missing people, do so due to financial problems (learn more on how to get free help to get out of debt).
  • A few people feel suicidal, and just need to ‘get away’ Learn more on how to find help for depression.
  • And in a very few cases, people go missing due to being kidnapped or murdered. But that’s very, very rare.

What To Do If Someone Goes Missing

If someone you love has gone missing, here is the charity’s advice:

Check the person’s home and places where they like going, look for notes or messages from them, including on social media. Send a message to say you’re concerned, and to get in touch.

Contact the police (and Missing People) with the following information. Most missing people return within 48 hours, but it’s good to get going as soon as possible:

  • Name, age and address.
  • What the person looks like, with clothing and identifying marks.
  • The person’s mobile phone number (and service provider)
  • Medical information (and if the person is vulnerable)
  • Any vehicles and last known movements
  • Any possessions (taken or left behind)

UK National Missing Persons Unit is the national hub, which helps to reduce time spent by police on finding missing people. It serves both UK and overseas police agencies, containing a database to cross-match people, bodies and remains.

The Disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

One of the most baffling missing person cases is that of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh, who went to meet ‘Mr Kipper’ to view a property in 1986, and was never seen again.

Her late parents set up The Suzy Lamplugh Trust which offers free advice for safety (home, work, online, travel, students) and has a stalking helpline.

Suzy is now presumed murdered, and was legally declared dead in 1993.

How Many People Go Missing Worldwide?

There are lots of them, baffling in a country that has quite strong community links. The USA has around half a million people go missing each year, the highest ratio on earth.

Yet 88 people go missing each hour in India, and most other countries with high rates are either war or high crime due to drug cartels – Syria, Colombia, Mexico).

Nigeria also has a lot of missing persons for a variety of reasons, from illegal adoption, organ harvesting and even ritual sacrifices.

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