New Process to Help Trace Missing Children Rolls Out Across Scotland

Police Scotland is rolling out an award-winning scheme aimed at ensuring officers are better equipped to find children and young people earlier whenever they are reported missing.

The Philomena Protocol, which is named after the patron saint of babies, infants and youths, was the first of its kind in the UK after being introduced by Durham Constabulary in January 2019.

The protocol is primarily targeted towards children and young people living in care facilities and foster encourages carers, staff, families and friends to compile a standardised form of useful information which could be used in the event of a young person going missing.

The type of information on the form will include interests, places of significance, friends and trusted people. These details will be used to ensure that police can establish the whereabouts of a missing child more speedily.

The Philomena Protocol has been developed following the success and learning from the Herbert Protocol, an initiative to support adults who are at risk of going missing.

From Monday, 29 May, 2023 Police Scotland’s 13 territorial divisions will begin utilising the Philomena Protocol.

Inspector Alasdair Paterson from Police Scotland’s Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing Unit, said: “Whenever a child or young person is reported missing, time is of the essence when trying to find them and often the first part of an investigation is spent obtaining a variety of pertinent information.

As part of the Philomena Protocol, this information will now be readily available within the standardised form and this may prove vital in quickly locating any youth subject to a missing person investigation.

“While there is an onus on parents, guardians and carers of children to ensure this information is accurate and up to date, the young person whom the form relates to can and should also contribute. This may help them understand how important their safety is and the level of police resource that is used whenever they are reported missing, not to mention the distress it can cause for their loved ones and care givers.”

Appeal following serious assault in Rannoch Road, Perth

Detectives in Perth are appealing for information following a serious assault in the city.

The assault took place between 9 pm and 11.30 pm on Saturday, 27th May, 2023, in Rannoch Road.

A 35-year-old man was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for treatment.

Detective Constable Danielle Irvine of CID said: “Our enquiries are ongoing. We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault or who was in the area at the time and who may have any information which could assist to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0388 of Sunday, 28 May, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

UPDATES

A 34 year old man was arrested for breaking in to a retail premises in Atholl Street, Perth on Thursday 25th May. All stolen property was recovered.

A 33 year old man will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for careless driving after being responsible for causing a 2 vehicle road traffic collision in Tay Street, Perth on Friday 26th May.

A 33 year old man was arrested for theft of a mobile phone and wallet from That Bar, South Street, Perth on Sunday 28th May. The stolen property was recovered by police and returned to the owner.

A 37 year old man was arrested for possession of a knife in Paul Street, Perth on Saturday 27th May.

A 33 year old man was arrested for breaking the window of a red Renault Modus at Loch Clunie near Blairgowrie on Sunday 28th May.

During the last week 2 drivers were found to be without insurance, 1 had no licence and 1 had no insurance

RECENT INCIDENTS

Between 11:45pm, Thursday 25th and 9am, Friday 26th May, a white and orange Whistle Patwin bike was stolen from Proudfoot Court, Perth. (CR/98113/23)

Between 10:30am and 10pm, Saturday 27th May, a quantity of cash and jewellery was stolen during a break in to a property in Cavendish Avenue, Perth. (CR/98100/23)

About 2:40am, Saturday 27th May, a yellow and blue Mondraker Level R Ebike was stolen during a break in to a property in Hutchison Drive, Scone. The bike was seen in the rear of a black pick up style vehicle in Bridgend, Perth a short time later. (CR/97270/23)

Between 2am and 7am, Saturday 27th May, a white Ford Transit Van was stolen from Paradise Avenue, Bridge of Earn. (CR/97363/23)

About 12:15am, Saturday 27th May, a male was seen to smash a large urn at a property in Riverside Road, Rattray. He is described as a white male, 5 ft 8, 18-20 years old, athletic build with a black goatee beard and short black hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt, blue shorts and trainers. (CR/97539/23)

Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer, quoting the crime reference number listed at each incident.  Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

Regards,

Tom Leonard, Chief Inspector                              

Local Area Commander, Perth and Kinross