The police have provided advice on what to do if your child has not returned home on time
From January to December 2024, the capital police departments received 1,252 reports and notifications regarding missing children.
This information is reported by the communication department of the Kyiv police.
In 1,236 cases, officers were able to locate the missing children within the first hours after parents reported them missing.
“Most often, parents contact the police to report a missing child due to their late return home. There are also instances where children run away after an argument with their parents, attempting to draw attention to themselves and resolve conflicts. Sometimes, very young children get lost in a shopping center crowd or on the street,” the police stated.
If a child goes missing, law enforcement advises parents to remain calm and follow a simple action plan:
- call relatives, the child's closest friends, and acquaintances;
- if you cannot find the child on your own, immediately call the hotline 102;
- provide the police with a photo showing a clear image of the child's face, a description of the child, and the clothing they were wearing.
After a report of a missing child, the police promptly form joint teams that include juvenile officers, criminal investigation staff, forensic analysts, dog handlers, patrol officers, and others. Law enforcement investigates the circumstances of the incident and conducts operational search measures.
“Timely initiated search efforts are the key to a successful outcome and the swift return of children to their families,” the police reminded.