When you notice that someone has gone missing, make an immediate report to police.
You do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone as missing.
Missing persons reports
Each year, Victoria Police receives more than 8000 reports relating to a missing person. This equates to over 150 reports each week, with this figure increasing over recent years.
Of those reported missing, about 44 percent are found within 48 hours.
Most people reported missing will either be found safe and well, or will have returned home and made contact with their friends or family.
Missing persons lists and registers
Most Victorian missing person cases are managed by local police.
Missing persons cases that involve suspicious circumstances are managed by specialist investigation teams within our Crime Investigations unit or our Missing Persons Squad. These cases are included on our missing persons list page to build community awareness.
For further information about when a person is added to a missing persons register, or to view missing persons across Australia, visit the Australian Federal Police's missing persons website.
When a person is considered missing
People can go missing for a number of reasons. They could be:
- missing by their own choice
- avoiding legal responsibilities
- feeling suicidal
- a victim of a crime, mishap or misadventure.
In Australia, a person is considered missing when:
- they are reported missing to police and their whereabouts are unknown
- there are fears for the safety and welfare of that person.
This includes people in a health institution (not including a prison or jail).
When to report someone as missing
You can report someone as missing at any time. There is no time limit or period to wait.
People who are vulnerable due to their health, age or impairments should be reported as missing immediately. You may make some enquiries yourself if you notice someone has gone missing.
How to report someone as missing
Report a person missing at a local police station. It is best to go to the nearest police station to where the person lives or was last seen.
Police will help you file a missing person report face to face. You cannot report a missing person over the phone.
Where possible, you can request a police officer who is the same gender as you to be there when you make a report.
You can also ask for an interpreter and translator to assist you at the police station.
Interpreter and translator services
If English is not your first language, we can arrange for a professional telephone interpreter to help you when:
- liaising with police, and
- making a missing persons report at your local police station.
This is a free service.
The telephone interpreter can also help you understand special words the police may use. We can also organise an onsite (face-to-face) professional interpreter if you need one. This can be pre-arranged for a time that suits everyone involved.
Language Loop provides interpreting and translating services for business and government. They also have a personal document translation for individuals.
Information to give police
To file a missing person report with the police, there are details you need to provide about the missing person.
We will ask you for the following information:
Easy English guide: How to report a missing person
Victoria Police has an Easy English guide on how to report a missing person.
This guide can assist people who have:
- difficulty reading or understanding English
- cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
The guide covers:
- who is a missing person
- how to report a missing person
- the information you will need to provide to police.
After you report someone as missing
After you make a missing persons report, we will enter it into the Victoria Police database.
We will assign the case to a police officer. They will work with you and inform you of any progress.
Who investigates a missing person case
Missing persons investigations are managed by local police. They are then investigated by the Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad.
Depending on the level of risk, or any suspicious circumstances in their disappearance, we may escalate the case to different departments.
If you have questions about the progress of the case, speak to the investigating police officers. They can provide information, where possible, on what is being done.
Report a missing person from overseas
You might be overseas and want to check in on family or friends in Australia. Make sure that that you make thorough enquiries on your own before contacting the police.
If after checking you still wish to report someone missing in Australia, you will need to do so in person to your local police station.
You must file a missing person report in person. This is so police can verify your identity when you make the report, and the reasons for locating the missing person.
Police will forward the report and request to locate the person to the appropriate INTERPOL bureau.
Report Australians missing overseas
If you have concerns for someone’s whereabouts overseas, first make contact with their:
- family
- friends, and
- travelling companions.
Family and friends travelling or working overseas may fail to make contact after being in touch regularly. They may also have difficulty accessing stable phone or internet services.
Losing contact with someone who is overseas is not a reason to start an overseas investigation.
Reporting a missing Australian citizen overseas
Where there are genuine fears for a person's safety or welfare outside of Australia, contact your local police station immediately.
The report and request to locate the person will be forwarded to the appropriate INTERPOL bureau.
After a missing persons report has been made to your local police, it may also be forwarded to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Losing contact with a family member or a friend
A person who has lost contact with family and friends is different to a person deemed as missing.
There are a number of reasons why people lose contact with each other.
If you have lost contact with someone and there are no specific concerns for their safety, or signs of vulnerability, then we don't consider them a missing person. If you are trying to get back in contact with them, we consider this a ‘tracing request’.
Tracing family members
Police do not provide a family tracing service. There are organisations that help reconnect families. Find out more on our Missing persons support services page.
If you have fears for the safety or welfare of someone and their whereabouts are unknown, contact your local police immediately.
If you see a missing person
If you sight a missing person, do not approach or try to contain them.
Take down as many details about them and their surroundings as you can, such as:
- what they are wearing
- where they are and who they are with
- registration number, make and model of a vehicle they are in
- any public transport they are using.
When to report information about a missing person
Even if you think the information you have may be old or outdated, it could still provide a helpful lead to investigators.
If you are not sure if it is them, you should still make a report if you:
- know where a missing person is
- have information about a missing person
- have information relating to the disappearance of a missing person
- have seen a missing person.
Make a report to Crime Stoppers Victoria, or your local police station.
Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers work closely with Victoria Police. They share valuable information to help solve missing persons cases.
You can provide information about a missing person to Crime Stoppers by completing an anonymous online report. Select the option ‘Suspicious activity or other crime’.
Information you provide to Crime Stoppers is confidential and will be sent to Victoria Police to investigate.
If you are a missing person
It is not an offence to be reported as ‘missing’. If you become aware or suspect that you have been reported missing contact your family or local police station.
They can suspend all searchers and stop looking for you.
Your privacy a missing person
If you are 17 years of age or over, your whereabouts cannot be shared without your consent.
Police will tell the person who reported you missing that you have been located, but will not disclose your whereabouts.
Police must take this step to ensure accurate closure of the missing person case.
Updated