New statistics show teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 are reported missing to NSW Police more than any other age group each year, NSW Police say.
The year’s Missing Persons Week campaign ‘Still waiting for you to come home’ highlights the high number of young people who are reported missing to police each year and the impact on the family and friends.
In 2016, 13 to 15-year-olds accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the 10,909 missing person reports made to police.
So far in this year, there have been 5,790 missing persons reports, of which 49 per cent are under the age of 18.
Launching the 2017 campaign at Police Headquarters in Parramatta this morning today, Acting Superintendent Missing Persons Unit Commander Kristy Walters said the impact on families and friends is significant.
"For families of missing persons, not knowing if their loved one is safe is a traumatic experience that never goes away," Acting Superintendent Walters said.
"When someone goes missing, it not only affects their immediate family, but it can have a ripple effect on their networks and wider community.
"The detectives who work tirelessly with families to try and locate their loved ones who are still missing are also profoundly affected by their plight," Acting Superintendent Walters said.
The campaign also aims to promote awareness of the issues around young people going missing
Acting Superintendent Walters said it’s hoped by highlighting missing person cases throughout the week will generate new information that could help bring them home.
"I encourage people to reach out and check in with your loved ones – it could be that one simple gesture that gives someone the support they need to manage their situation." Acting Superintendent Walters said.
NSW Police Force will highlight one missing person profile each day during the campaign.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the missing persons featured is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
