Number of missing children reports reaches highest level since records began

Reports of missing children in Scotland reached a record high in 2023, according to statistics released by Police Scotland.

Officers received 17,251 missing reports last year, with 6,670 relating to adults and 10,581 relating to the disappearance of children.

There has been a decrease of almost 25% in missing reports (13,367) during 2024 so far, the second lowest since records began in 2019.

From January 1 until November 11, the force was alerted to the disappearance of adults on 5,115 occasions, whilst children were reported missing 8,252 times.

In 2022, Police Scotland received 17,667 – the most on record.

At the time of response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by STV, 81 cases remain open, six of which are children.

Young mum-of-one Mary Duncan disappeared in February 1975, aged 17. She was last seen leaving her home in Alexandria on March 19 that year, after telling her family she was going to meet a friend, but never returned.

Mary Duncan was seen leaving her home in Alexandria Police Scotland

Robert Adaway went missing on his 18th birthday, June 9, 1982. Robert’s mother saw him at home on Princes Street, Thurso.

Over the next few days, there were further possible sightings at various places across the Caithness area, many near roads, which could mean Robert was hitchhiking.

Robert Adaway disappeared in Thurso on his 18th birthday and hasn't been found — Robert Adaway disappeared in Thurso on his 18th birthday and hasn’t been found Police Scotland

On November 18, 2024, 16-year-old Aleksandr Benga was reported missing in Stornoway. The teen was seen near the water wheel within the Lewis Castle grounds.

Rigorous searches involving several local and national specialist police resources were carried out; however, Aleksandr remains a missing person.