Child rescue alert system launched

GMP supports child rescue alert

A Child Rescue Alert system has been launched that will enable the Police to send thousands of alerts to those members of the public that have registered to receive free notifications once children are reported missing.

It means that the hunt for missing children in immediate danger can be sped up.

A dedicated website has been set up to encourage as many members of the public as possible to register to receive the alerts when issued.

An estimated 140,000 children go missing each year across the UK. Just a handful of alerts will be issued each year on some of the highest priority cases where a child goes missing and is in imminent danger of serious harm or death.

Greater Manchester Police will ensure the messages not only go direct to people’s mobile phones and emails but also via social networking sites. The system allows police to issue notifications to specific parts of the country, allowing for focus on the best available intelligence on a child’s whereabouts. The alerts are issued for children under 18, when there is a belief of immediate danger and that the public can assist in finding them.

Members of the public pre-registering for the free alerts at www.childrescuealert.org.uk can receive them via text message to their mobile and by email, as well as registering both their work and home locations.

Detective Inspector Paul Parker from GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Group said: “Any child that goes missing is a worry and this alert while used very rarely can assist emergency services such as police in saving a child. It is imperative that as many members of the public as possible know about it so that they can help us return those youngsters safely.

“We would encourage members of the public to register themselves with the Child Rescue Alert as every minute a child goes missing is a minute too long.”

Charlie Hedges, Manager of Missing and Abducted Children at the CEOP Command, said: “The success of the Child Rescue Alert is down to each and every one of us. I’ve already been encouraged by the wide range of organisations who have joined us in partnership to offer their support and help launch this invaluable tool. Now it’s down to the public to sign up for the alerts so we can send the message as widely as possible when a child goes missing.

“With the expertise of the National Crime Agency, Missing People and Groupcall joining forces with some of the UK’s most powerful and influential organisations, we can ensure that not a single minute is wasted after a child goes missing.”

Jo Youle, Chief Executive of Missing People said: “Every minute after their disappearance is crucial to bringing a child home safely. Child Rescue Alert will now mean the public and companies can help - and hopefully save these children’s lives.

“This is a fantastic cross-sector approach to safeguard children in the most extreme danger, which has been made possible thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and the EU.

“Via the National Crime Agency, police forces across the UK will be able to request the public’s support with an investigation in a safe way, using the very latest technology.”