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Would you know what to do if your child went missing? |
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Morning Resident
advises that if a young child goes missing or is in immediate danger, you should call 999 immediately. You do not have to wait 24 hours to report a missing person.
Immediate Steps to Take If you do not believe they are in immediate danger (e.g., an older child who has missed a curfew), WMP recommends performing these checks first: Search the home and immediate surroundings: Check the garden, shed, garage, and even small spaces like lofts or cupboards. Contact known associates: Ring friends and family, and check the child's phone or email for messages. Check local areas: Visit places they often frequent. Do not disturb evidence: If you suspect they have gone, do not wash their belongings or clean their room, as the police may need to collect DNA from items like a toothbrush or hairbrush.
How to Report If your initial searches are unsuccessful, contact the police: Emergency: Call 999 for young children or those at high risk. Non-Emergency: Call 101 or use the WMP Online Reporting tool. Information You Will Need To help officers begin their search quickly, have the following details ready: Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, and a very recent photograph. Physical Description: Height, build, hair colour, and any distinguishing features like scars or tattoos. Last Seen Details: Where and when they were last seen, what they were wearing, and if they had any belongings (bags, phone, money) with them. Medical/Vulnerability Info: Any known medical conditions or reasons why they might be at increased risk.
Prevention: The Philomena Protocol For children or young people who are at risk of going missing (such as those in care), WMP uses the Philomena Protocol. This involves families or carers filling out a pre-prepared form containing all the vital information listed above. Keeping this form updated and in a safe place allows you to hand it to the police immediately, saving critical time in the early stages of a search
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