More than 1,100 people were reported missing in Luxembourg in 2024, according to the latest figures from the public prosecutor’s office, a sharp increase from just over 430 cases in 2020. However, these statistics do not tell the whole story. An anonymous police source told RTL, following our recent factcheck on missing person reports, that numerous cases, especially those considered simple, frequently go unnoticed in official statistics or are not pursued with an active search. RTL met with the officer to learn more.
Every missing person case is examined on an individual basis, the officer confirmed. For adult cases in particular, a key factor is whether the disappearance is deemed a disturbing disappearance (disparition inquiétante). A recent press release from the public prosecutor’s office highlighted that the circumstances of the disappearance, and the individual’s health – for instance, factors such as whether the missing person urgently requires medication or permanent care – determine the police’s response. In such cases, a range of investigative tools is available, as outlined in our previous factcheck.
If, however, a case does not meet the threshold for being disturbing, the search effort is typically short-lived, the officer explained. While a report is always filed and initial measures, such as contacting hospitals or visiting the person’s home, are carried out by the duty officers, the resources allocated are often limited, particularly during evenings or nights. “If it is in the evening or at night, the resources are quickly exhausted. It is not the officer’s fault, but they simply do not have the means”, the source lamented.
Continuity in investigating these cases is difficult: when a new shift takes over, officers may attempt to follow up, but urgent incidents such as violent crimes or burglaries often take priority. By the time the next shift arrives, any initial momentum is usually lost. Active searches tend to be abandoned, not due to lack of interest, but because the system does not allow for sustained efforts.
This reality can be especially distressing for families. As the officer pointed out, people rarely report a loved one missing without desperate concern, and family members or friends often make repeated calls for updates. If the officer handling the case is off duty or on leave, colleagues are often unaware of the latest developments. The intensity of the search depends largely on the officer assigned and their workload in the days following the report. Officially, the file remains open until the person is found, but for families, the sense of uncertainty persists. The police website, for example, still lists individuals missing for years, including a young man not seen since December 2010.
The officer suggested that a dedicated police section, focused exclusively on missing person cases and equipped with the necessary time and resources, is urgently needed to address the growing number of reports. “Many officers see an urgent need for action”, the source said, noting the increase in missing persons across all age groups, not just minors.
Another significant issue is the absence of comprehensive data: Luxembourg currently lacks statistics on how many reported missing persons are eventually found. This also applied to how many non-priority cases, those not classified as disturbing, may have involved individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts who were later found deceased.
Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can seek help through SOS Détresse by dialing 45 45 45. More information can be found at prevention-suicide.lu
