Missing persons — critical steps and resources

Essential guide for reporting and responding to missing persons cases in Ireland

Critical Information for Missing Persons Cases

If someone you know is missing, time is critical. This guide provides essential steps to take immediately and resources to help bring them home safely. Lost.ie is primarily for lost property, but we understand the urgency of missing persons situations.

EMERGENCY: If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or 112 immediately. Don't wait.

First 24 Hours: Critical Actions

1. Contact Gardaí Immediately

  • Call 999 or 112 for emergencies
  • Visit your local Garda station
  • File an official report immediately
  • Get a reference number for your case
Myth Buster: You do NOT have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. Report immediately.

2. Search Immediate Area

  • Check home thoroughly (all rooms)
  • Contact friends and family members
  • Check school, work, usual places
  • Call local hospitals and shelters
  • Retrace their last known movements
Safety First: Don't search alone. Keep someone updated on your location.

3. Gather Essential Information

  • Recent photo (within 6 months)
  • Description of clothing worn
  • Physical details (height, weight, hair)
  • Distinguishing features (scars, tattoos)
  • Medical conditions or medications
  • Phone number and device details

4. Contact Their Network

  • Friends and close contacts
  • Extended family members
  • Work colleagues or employer
  • School or university contacts
  • Partner or ex-partners
  • Community groups or clubs

High-Risk Missing Persons - Act Immediately

Children Under 18

  • •Call 999 immediately - No waiting period
  • •Check with other parent/guardian
  • •Contact school immediately
  • •Check friends' homes
  • •Review online/social media activity
Priority Level: Highest - immediate Garda response

Vulnerable Adults

  • •Elderly with dementia/Alzheimer's
  • •Mental health conditions
  • •Physical disabilities
  • •Dependent on medication
  • •Suicidal thoughts or depression
Action: Call 999 - Inform Gardaí of vulnerability

Out of Character Behavior

  • •Left without personal belongings
  • •Missed important appointments
  • •No contact when expected
  • •Recent distressing events
  • •Signs of foul play suspected
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, report it

Essential Information for Gardaí

Personal Details

  • Recent photo (within 6 months)
  • Description of clothing worn
  • Physical details (height, weight, hair)
  • Distinguishing features (scars, tattoos)
  • Medical conditions or medications
  • Phone number and device details

Full Name & Identity

  • Full name and any aliases/nicknames
  • Date of birth and age
  • Home address and phone number
  • Ethnicity and nationality
  • Language(s) spoken

Last Known Details

  • Last seen location (exact address)
  • Date and time last seen
  • Who they were with
  • Direction of travel
  • Mode of transport (walking, car, bus)
  • Intended destination

Background Information

  • Medical conditions or allergies
  • Medications required
  • Mental health status
  • Recent life events or stressors
  • Previous disappearances
  • Known associates or contacts
  • Places they frequent

What You Can Do to Help

Share on Social Media

  • •Recent photo - Clear, recognizable
  • •Key details - Name, age, last seen
  • •Contact info - Garda reference number
  • •Share widely - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
  • •Local groups - Community pages
Tip: Use hashtags like #Missing #Ireland #HelpFind

Organize Physical Search

  • •Coordinate with Gardaí - Don't interfere
  • •Search in groups - Safety in numbers
  • •Check known locations first
  • •Bring photos to show people
  • •Document search areas covered
Safety: Never search alone, keep phone charged

Create & Distribute Posters

  • •Clear photo - Recent and recognizable
  • •Large text - MISSING in bold
  • •Essential details - Height, age, last seen
  • •Contact number - Garda station
  • •Strategic locations - Shops, stations
Ask Permission: Get consent before posting on private property

Official Resources & Organizations

Emergency Services

Gardaí Emergency:

999 or 112

For immediate danger or high-risk cases

Garda General Enquiries:

01 666 0000

For non-emergency reports and follow-ups

Find Your Local Station: garda.ie/station-directory

Support Organizations

Missing Persons Helpline:

116 000

Free, 24/7 support and advice

Samaritans (Mental Health):

116 123

24/7 emotional support

Childline (Under 18s):

1800 66 66 66

Free, confidential support for young people

Online Resources

  • Garda Missing Persons:

    garda.ie/missing-persons

  • Missing Children:

    missingchildren.ie

  • Find & Connect Ireland:

    International missing persons network

Mental Health & Crisis Support

  • Pieta House (Suicide Prevention):

    1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444

  • Aware (Depression/Anxiety):

    1800 80 48 48

  • Mental Health Ireland:

    mentalhealthireland.ie

Important: What NOT to Do

Don't:

  • ✗Wait to report - Every minute counts
  • ✗Assume they'll come back on their own
  • ✗Delete phone records or social media
  • ✗Touch or move potential evidence
  • ✗Interfere with official search operations
  • ✗Share unverified information
  • ✗Approach dangerous situations alone

Do:

  • ✓Report immediately to Gardaí
  • ✓Preserve phone records and messages
  • ✓Keep detailed notes of all actions taken
  • ✓Cooperate fully with Gardaí
  • ✓Keep your phone charged and available
  • ✓Share only verified, accurate information
  • ✓Look after your own mental health

Support for Families & Friends

Having a loved one missing is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can face. Remember:

  • •You are not alone - Professional support is available 24/7
  • •Take care of yourself - Eat, rest, and accept help from others
  • •Stay connected - Regular contact with Gardaí and support services
  • •Be patient - Investigations take time, but professionals are working hard
  • •Keep hope - Many missing persons are found safely
Crisis Support Available 24/7:

If you're struggling to cope, call Samaritans on 116 123 or Missing Persons Helpline on 116 000

When Someone Returns Home

If your loved one returns safely:

  • 1.Contact Gardaí immediately to close the missing person case
  • 2.Seek medical attention if needed
  • 3.Provide emotional support - Be patient and understanding
  • 4.Remove online posts and update social media
  • 5.Consider counseling for everyone affected
  • 6.Thank volunteers and supporters who helped

Remember: Time is Critical

If someone is missing, especially a child or vulnerable person, do not hesitate. Contact Gardaí immediately. The first hours are the most critical for a successful outcome.

Call 999 Emergency Missing Persons Helpline
Back to all guides