When a loved one goes missing, it’s always an incredibly distressing time. Whether they’re a family member, friend or anyone else who has disappeared under unusual circumstances, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming.
Try not to panic. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to track down missing people in the UK. Here are a few of the best courses of action we recommend at M19 Solutions.
1. Call the police
Whenever someone goes missing and you’re concerned for their welfare, you should start by phoning the police. We particularly recommend this if the missing person is young, elderly or vulnerable.
Call 101 (or 999 in emergencies) to make your report. Police can quickly initiate searches, issue public appeals and tap into a range of resources to locate the individual.
2. Use social media
In many cases, platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) can be extremely helpful in locating missing people, or providing valuable leads. Make sure to post on your profile as well as in any local groups – provide an up-to-date photo and as many details as possible. Make sure your post audience is set to public, so people can share your post to increase exposure.
Additionally, websites such as Missing People offer support, resources and an online database of missing individuals.
3. Visit last known locations
Retracing the missing person’s steps by visiting places they were last seen – such as their home, workplace or favourite local areas – might provide new insights. Most businesses have security cameras and an increasing number of homes are fitted with devices like Ring doorbell cameras. These are often useful in establishing someone’s movements.
4. Speak to friends, family and colleagues
People close to the missing person may hold key information about their whereabouts. Speaking to their friends, work colleagues or acquaintances could uncover new leads or reasons why they may have gone missing.
5. Monitor financial and digital footprints
These days, most people have a smartphone, social media or both. It means that they often leave digital races that can be used to locate them. Recent bank transactions, phone activity and email accounts are particularly helpful for tracking down missing people.
6. Engage with charities and support groups
Charities such as Missing People and Reunite International Child Abduction Centre provide guidance and resources for finding missing individuals. They can also help with cases involving international disappearances or vulnerable people.
7. Consider hiring a private investigator
If all the above has failed to locate your missing loved one, you should consider using a private investigator. At M19 Solutions, we provide professional assistance, drawing on a wealth of industry expertise to locate missing individuals efficiently.
It could be a debtor who has vanished, a long-lost family member or someone who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. No matter the scenario, our discreet and effective approach can help you get the answers you deserve.
Getting you the answers you need, when you need them
Locating a missing person requires persistence, strategy and expert resources. At M19 Solutions, we specialise in finding people in the Manchester area and across the UK.
With over 20 years’ experience, we combine specialist training and expert skills with the latest surveillance and investigation techniques to obtain information and evidence.
Need help locating a missing person? Get in touch with our friendly team today.
📞 Call us at 0161 706 0057 or 📩 email info@m19solutions.co.uk to speak with our experts. We’ll treat your case with the utmost compassion and professionalism from day one.
