Around 10,000 people missing in Germany - significant increase according to BKA
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has reported alarming numbers of missing persons in Germany. Currently, around 10,000 people are reported missing nationwide. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years. What does this development mean for society and how can we react?
From children to adults - missing persons in all age groups
The major media often focus on spectacular missing persons cases, where children are abducted or adults suddenly disappear. However, behind the BKA's figures are people of all ages and genders, whose fate often goes unnoticed. According to a statement from the Federal Criminal Police Office, around 60 percent of the missing persons are male and about a quarter of the cases involve minors. Approximately half of the missing children are under 14 years old. Particularly alarming: Many of these children are runaways from homes and institutions of child and youth welfare.
Statistics and the role of the BKA
The BKA compiles statistics on missing persons nationwide in Germany. Temporary and permanent missing persons are distinguished. Temporary missing persons are individuals who reappear within a year or whose fate is clarified. Permanent missing persons, on the other hand, are individuals whose whereabouts remain unresolved even after a year.
The current figures from the BKA show: The number of missing persons in Germany is increasing. And this is despite the population in Germany stagnating. This increase is all the more concerning, as the BKA assumes a high number of unreported cases.
Causes of Disappearance
The reasons why people are reported missing are diverse. One of the most common reasons is the runaway of minors from homes or problematic family situations. But there are also cases of adults disappearing without a trace, often in connection with mental illness, addiction problems, or debt.
However, there are also cases where people purposely plan their disappearance and fake their death in order to start a new life or avoid prosecution.Some missing persons also fall victim to crime and their cases may never be solved. In such situations, the families and friends left behind often suffer for years from uncertainty and pain.
What can be done?
The increasing numbers of missing persons pose great challenges for the police and aid organizations. For example, comprehensive, effective, and quick investigations are necessary as soon as a missing person report is filed.
In addition, preventive measures such as better care and support in children and youth homes as well as better assistance for people in crisis situations should be expanded. Furthermore, the issue of "missing persons" should be more prominently discussed in public to raise awareness.
Conclusion
The current numbers of missing persons in Germany, as reported by the BKA, are alarming and require further investigations and measures. It is important to be aware that behind each number is a human fate. Therefore, this issue urgently requires more public attention and comprehensive measures to help people and prevent them from going missing.
By Anita Faake, Thursday, May 9, 24
