Missing persons reports

Request data on missing persons reports received by Police Scotland.

Police Scotland handles thousands of missing persons reports each year. Many involve vulnerable people, including children in care. The figures reveal the scale of the problem and how quickly people are found.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total number of missing persons reports received. 2. A breakdown by age group (e.g. under 16, 16–17, 18–64, 65 and over). 3. The number of repeat missing reports (where the same person was reported missing more than once during the period). 4. The average time from report to the person being found safe. I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Police Scotland. You can submit your request to their information management team.

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Tips#

  • High numbers of repeat missing reports for under-18s may be linked to looked-after children going missing from care placements. This is a useful indicator of how well care services are working.
  • Police Scotland publishes some missing persons data in its annual reports. Check what is already available before submitting your request.
  • If you want data for a specific area, ask for a breakdown by local policing division.