Western Australian Police Minister Michelle Roberts is urging families, friends and communities to stay connected with those around them, as National Missing Persons Week gets under way. National Missing Persons Week is held in the first week of August each year, to highlight the plight of missing persons, their families and friends.
“People go missing for a variety of reasons but for the families and friends left behind, the pain of not knowing what has happened to someone they love can be devastating. Every missing person is someone’s son, daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, brother or sister.” Minister Roberts commented.
The Minister went on to explain more than 38,000 people are reported missing in Australia each year. In Western Australia, 1,324 people were reported missing last year, an average of 25 per week. Minister Roberts also said that while most people are found within a short period of time, WA Police currently have 310 long-term missing persons cases – those who have been missing for more than three months. This week, WA Police will mount displays at Forrest Chase of unsolved cases in the hope someone will come forward with details which may help re-unite a missing person with their loved ones.
“This week in particular, I encourage people to think about those who remain missing and urge anyone with information to get in contact with police. Even the smallest piece of information could help unravel a mystery and lead to answers for heartbroken family or friends.” Minister Roberts commented.