National Missing Persons Week 2026

Sunday 2nd August 2026 - Saturday 8th August 2026

National Missing Persons Week is an annual event to raise community awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons.

There are various issues associated with young people going missing including escaping from violence, bullying, drugs/alcohol abuse, depression and rebellion. Communication plays a vital role in preventing young people from going missing and potentially finding them once they have become a missing person.

National Missing Persons Week aims

• 1. To assist in the resolution of missing persons cases through heightened awareness and increased sightings reports.


• 2. To raise community awareness regarding issues facing missing persons and their families and friends.

It is important to remember that people go missing for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the person may be escaping from real or perceived family or personal conflict, they may be victims of foul play, whilst others may be asserting their independence or taking time out. Some simply forget to make contact.
Going missing is not a crime. The aim of Police is to confirm that people reported as missing are safe and well. You do not have to wait 24 hours before reporting a person missing.

How you can help

Any piece of information can be crucial in resolving a missing person's case. If you have any information that may assist in locating a missing person or would like to report a missing person:

• Contact your local police station


• Contact National Missing Persons Coordination Centre 1800 000 634


• Contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

If you believe you have sighted a missing person, you can make a report using the Missing Persons Sighting Form which you can choose to submit anonymously.

National Missing Persons Week