FOI/2023/4894
You asked
I would like to request information about missing persons in the UK.
I assume a UK record is kept regarding the number of all persons reported missing without trace and still missing after 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, etc. Age and gender matters, of course, how many 0-16, 16-21, 21-60, 60+ years/ m and f ?
I want to see if there is a pattern emerging, going back 30 years, if possible.
The numbers missing should be cumulative. For example, the number still missing from 30 years ago should be added to each total for each year, etc. The more recent total for those missing for more than one year should include all those missing and not found in previous years going back 30 years.
One would expect each year to record a higher figure than the previous, as the total will include all missing over the past 30 years. Location would also be helpful, if possible.
We said
Thank you for your enquiry.
Unfortunately, we do not hold the information you have requested regarding the number of people reported missing in the past 30 years. We publish figures on the levels and trends of crime in England and Wales primarily based on the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) and police recorded crime data.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) publishes statistics on missing persons from the UK Missing Persons Unit. Some of their publications can be found at missingpersons.police.uk.
If you would like further information you may wish to contact the UK Missing Persons Unit at ukmpu@nca.gov.uk.