In 2021, the average was far exceeded with 724 missing persons reports, 490 of which concerned minors.
These figures were provided by Minister of Justice Sam Tanson and Minister of Internal Security Henri Kox in response to a parliamentary question by MPs Carole Hartmann and Claude Lamberty from the Democratic Party (DP). However, the ministers could not specify how many of the reported missing persons were eventually found, as the number of missing persons who subsequently reappear is not tracked statistically.
There is no discernible pattern regarding the reasons for disappearances. In the case of minors, they often run away and reappear within 24 to 48 hours.
If a minor goes missing and there are clear indications that their life is in danger, the public prosecutor and police issue an Amber Alert. Almost 1,200 people have signed up to receive these alerts, which are delivered through email if they are activated. Furthermore, regardless of residency, everyone who is logged into Facebook in Luxembourg also receives a notification of the alert.
Further information on this topic:
RTL Today: Perception versus reality: Has there been an uptick in missing person’s reports in recent years?RTL Today: Anonmity versus transparency: What is the best support for young runaways?
