How Many People go Missing in Australia Every Year?

Approximately 35,000 people go missing in Australia each year, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Of these, around 20,000 are under the age of 18. The majority of missing people in Australia are found within six months, but there are roughly 1,600 people who are considered long-term missing, and have been missing for more than six months.

Why do people go missing?

There are a number of reasons why people go missing. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Mental health reasons, including illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
• Drug and alcohol abuse.
• Becoming a victim of crime.
• Conflict at home, or domestic violence.
• Misadventures or accidents.

Missing people in Australia

Over the years, there have been a number of high-profile missing person cases in Australia, including that of Gold Coast teenager Daniel Morcombe, who disappeared while waiting for a bus in 2003. While Daniel’s remains have been found, many other cases remain unresolved, causing a great deal of anxiety and stress for the friends and family of the missing person.

Contrary to what you see and hear in the media though, the vast majority of missing people are not abducted or the victims of violent crime, it is more likely that they have gone missing for one of the other reasons listed above. This means that with access to the right technology and experience, it may be possible to find a missing person anywhere in the world.

What should I do if I want to find a missing person?

If someone you know has gone missing, it can be an extremely distressing experience, particularly if the person is a close family member or friend. A private investigator might be able to help you locate the missing person, even with a minimum of personal details, although the more information you can provide, the more likely it is that the investigator will be able to track the person down.

The missing person does not need to be a family member. If you are looking to track down a debtor, or witness for a court case, an experienced investigator may be able to trace them - even if they have gone overseas.

Many missing people are found each year, and if you have not had any success locating your missing person of interest through conventional channels, a private investigator might be able to assist where others can’t.