WRITING in a new blog, a North Yorkshire Police officer has urged the public to think more about missing people.

PC Elle Smith said while it was easy to see and dismiss appeals for missing people, it was valuable to think about why some people go missing, and support available to try and prevent that happening.

She said: “You’ve all seen the media appeals for missing people – but have you stopped to think why these people go missing? And what help is out there for them? As police officers we spend a lot of time working with people who go missing. We can be out searching for them, conducting welfare visits, once they are found or working on strategies behind the scenes to get them the help they deserve.

“Every day people go ‘missing’ for a variety of reasons. There may have mental health issues, suffering with alcohol or drug abuse, have debts or gambling issues they want to escape from or leave an abusive or unhappy relationship – whatever the reason, no-one should feel they need to simply disappear.”

PC Smith said some vulnerable people were already known to the force, and by working with partner agencies, they can try to prevent them going missing, or get to the bottom of why they are struggling in day to day life.

She said: “Every missing person, once found, is visited by an officer to ensure they are safe and well. If that person is an adult we won’t disclose their location unless we feel there is a need to do so for their safety.

“It is different for missing children though – we need to make sure there isn’t a problem at home or any other reason why they shouldn’t be taken home. If there is an issue we will explore other options to keep the child safe and away from harm. I must stress these people are not in any trouble.

“In York we work in conjunction with the Pathways project who act as a gateway into support services for adults – it is free, personalised, one-to-one support for those adults experiencing mental distress. Many of these people have repeat contact with emergency service or are at risk of entering the criminal justice system.”

PC Smith said there were options out there for people who have gone missing for whatever reason, but who do not want to deal with the force.

She said: “We understand that speaking with the police can be daunting for anyone and even more so if a person is in mental distress. If you don’t want to talk to us we won’t take it personally, but we will direct you to other organisations which can help you.

“We understand that you might go missing again because of problems you’re facing. If you do, then your family, carers and friends will be worried about you and are likely to contact us for help to find you. They just want to make sure you are ok. If you think someone may have reported you missing, you can help put their mind at rest by making contact with us.”

North Yorkshire Police has dealt with a number of high profile missing persons cases in York in recent years.

Rory Johnson-Hatfield disappeared while on a night out in the city on November 20, 2015, and was last seen on CCTV near Tower Street, Skeldergate Bridge and City Mills. Despite searches of the area, the River Ouse being searched as far as Goole, and a lengthy investigation, he has not yet been found.

Claudia Lawrence has been missing since 2009, when she failed to arrive at work on March 19. Her disappearance sparked a huge murder investigation, followed by a three-year review into the initial inquiry, at a cost of about £1m, but her family still have no answers.

More behind-the-scenes blogs about how North Yorkshire Police deal with missing or vulnerable people are expected in coming weeks.

*Anyone who is are concerned for someone’s welfare, or for a person who has gone missing, should contact North Yorkshire Police immediately on 101, or 999 if they suspect they are in danger.