10 Tips for Finding a Missing Person in the UK
September 13, 2021 - Reading time: 23 minutes
Updated on: August 31, 2025
For emergencies call 999. For non-emergency police contact 101. Free charity helpline 116 000.
When someone you care about is missing, every minute feels heavy. The steps below keep you focused and improve the chances of a safe return. There is no waiting period to report a person missing in the UK. If you think they are at risk, call 999 now.
- Call 999 if the person is a child, is vulnerable, or you suspect danger.
- For non-emergency reporting call 101, or attend your local police station.
- Contact the Missing People helpline on 116 000 for support and advice.
- Keep one phone line free for incoming calls. Start a written log of times, sightings and calls.
1. Brainstorm and build a timeline
People do not simply vanish. Start a timeline from the last confirmed sighting to now. Record who saw them, what they wore, transport used, bank or phone activity, and any change to routine. Note medical needs or vulnerabilities such as dementia, learning disability, mental health crisis, or dependence on medication.
- List reasons they might withdraw or hide, such as conflict, debt, exploitation, coercive control or a recent trauma.
- Capture rumours as rumours. Mark each item as confirmed or unconfirmed.
2. Search online footprints
Check public profiles and recent posts for mentions of travel, events, conflict or distress. Look for new friends or groups. If you have lawful access and consent, check messages and calendars. Do not guess passwords or try to bypass security. The police can request data where necessary.
- Look for location tags, planned meet-ups, tickets, bookings, or lift-share arrangements.
- Scan email calendars and reminder apps for appointments that place them in time and space.
3. Check diaries, calendars and routine commitments
Review paper diaries, wall calendars and work rosters. Missed school, shifts, medical appointments or childcare can signal risk. Note bus or rail season tickets and gym attendance. Photograph pages rather than removing them, then share copies with police if asked.
4. Map their habits and common routes
Identify daily patterns: commuting routes, dog-walking paths, parks, shops, places of worship, clubs and support groups. Walk routes safely and in pairs if possible. Ask local businesses if they can check CCTV within 24 to 72 hours. Only the owner can access recordings. Police can make formal requests if required.
5. Consider risks and people of concern
List recent conflicts, threats, domestic abuse, stalking, gang pressure, county lines, loan sharks, or online harassment. Share this list with police. If a child is missing and you suspect abduction or serious risk, call 999. In some cases the Child Rescue Alert system can be activated by police.
6. Review recent device and browser activity
If you have permission, look for saved journeys, ticket receipts, journey planners, accommodation bookings and map searches. Check location sharing only if you have legitimate access. Record make, model and phone number for police. Do not attempt tracking tools you are not authorised to use.
7. Speak to the network
Start with those closest who were not already involved. Then widen out: neighbours, regular shop staff, fitness instructors, classmates, taxi firms used, faith leaders and any support workers. For young people, speak to friends with a parent or responsible adult present. Ask for times, directions of travel and who else was there.
8. Keep one phone line free for incoming calls
Keep your main number free for police, hospitals and the missing person. Use a second phone for outgoing calls. Set voicemail with a calm message asking for the caller’s name, number, time and any sighting details. Log every call with date and time.
9. Make sure someone is at home
Arrange a rota so the home address is covered. If they return, keep things calm. Offer water, warmth and medical help if needed. Do not force explanations on the spot. Let the police know as soon as they are safe.
10. Posters, social media and press
Speak to police or your investigator before going public. When ready, create a clear poster with a current photo, name, age, height, eye and hair colour, clothing, distinguishing features, last known location and time, and a police reference if you have one. Use high footfall areas and typical routes. Share digital versions online. Ask friends to share in local groups.
- Add a contact method that will actually be monitored, plus the police reference number.
- Send posters to places they may travel to, such as university towns, work sites or holiday areas.
What to prepare before calling the police
Information the police may request
- Full name, date of birth and recent photos
- Home address and other addresses such as student halls or a holiday home
- Medical conditions and medication needs
- Friends, partners and key contacts
- Places they visit and regular routes
- Items likely taken such as passport, bank cards, phone or car
- Clothing description and distinguishing features
- Last confirmed time and place seen, and by whom
Practical do’s and don’ts
- Do keep a written log of calls, sightings and decisions.
- Do ask neighbours and shops to retain CCTV where possible.
- Do share any risk factors such as self-harm, exploitation or domestic abuse.
- Don’t access accounts without permission. Let police handle data requests.
- Don’t post unproven allegations. Avoid naming possible suspects online.
- Don’t put yourself in danger during searches. Work in pairs where you can.
Who can help right now
Police: call 999 in an emergency, or 101 to report a person missing. You can report immediately. There is no 24 hour rule.
Missing People charity: free confidential help on 116 000 by phone or text. They support families and people who are missing or thinking of going missing.
Child Rescue Alert: a police-led system to alert the public to suspected child abductions or high risk child disappearances.
Why people go missing
Common drivers include relationship breakdown, bullying, debt, mental health crisis, neurodivergence without support, dementia, exploitation, county lines, forced marriage and online grooming. Sometimes the person chooses not to be found. Sometimes they are in harm without a way to call for help. Approach with care and keep records of facts rather than assumptions.
FAQs
- How soon can I report someone missing in the UK
- Immediately. If there is risk of harm, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101 or go to a police station.
- What are police risk categories
- Police assess risk as high, medium or low and decide the level of response. Factors include age, health, vulnerability, past behaviour and the circumstances of the disappearance.
- What if the person returns
- Tell the police. Offer food, water and warmth. Note where they have been and any harm. Encourage a medical check if needed. Avoid interrogations.
- Should I contact the media
- Speak to police first. Media coverage can help or harm depending on the situation, especially where there is domestic abuse or stalking.
- Can I track their phone myself
- Only with their consent and lawful access. Police can request data where needed. Do not attempt hacks or location tools you are not authorised to use.
Glossary of key UK terms
- Missing Person Report (UK): the formal record made with police when someone cannot be located. There is no waiting period to report.
- High Risk: immediate risk of serious harm or vulnerability due to age, health, disability, threats or the circumstances.
- Medium Risk: risk of harm is likely but not serious. Requires an active and measured response.
- Low Risk: the level of risk is not considered immediate. The situation is monitored and reviewed.
- Child Rescue Alert: a police-led public alert for suspected abductions or high risk child disappearances across the UK.
- Missing People: UK charity offering free confidential support to missing people and families on 116 000.
- NCA Missing Persons Unit: national and international point of contact for UK missing persons and unidentified remains, supporting police forces.
Sources and useful links
- Police guidance on missing persons and the myth about waiting 24 hours. Reference Police.uk, Met Police, South Wales Police
- How to report and what information to prepare, including when to use 999 or 101. Missing People
- Missing People helpline. 116 000
- Child Rescue Alert overview. Child Rescue Alert
- National Crime Agency Missing Persons Unit. NCA MPU
Information here is for general guidance and does not replace police or legal advice.
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