Over 12,000 missing person reports in Coventry and West Midlands in 2024
West Midlands Police received more than 12,000 missing person reports in 2024. Inspector Charlie Sparks said 'one of the best feelings' in his role is 'reuniting a missing person with their loved ones.'
But, despite successfully reuniting many families, 37 people are still listed as missing from across the West Midlands. Families hoping for their return face an agonising wait this Christmas.
In October last year, West Midlands Police appealed to find Coventry man Jayson Duffy, who vanished on a trip to Amsterdam in 1989. He would now be 53 years old, but they hoped 'someone out there will know what happened' to Jayson, who was just 18 when he vanished.
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A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “Missing people can be from all ages and backgrounds, often with vastly differing reasons for going missing. Teams pick up enquiries when initial response officer checks fail to find any clues as to where the missing person may be.
“Officers then carry out a range of in-depth enquiries, utilising a mixture of tactics, to establish their movements and location so we can find them as soon as possible. One of these tactics can be the use of a social media appeal if it is considered the best approach to safely locate someone.”
Inspector Charlie Sparks added: “Any missing episode is understandably a very stressful time for a missing person, family, and friends too. Officers are acutely aware of this and prioritise the best lines of enquiry to find their loved one promptly.
“We are always grateful for the support of the public with the social media appeals that we issue. One of the best feelings you can get in this role is reuniting a missing person with their loved ones.”
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