How often do you see an ad or article online about a person missing? How about flyers at busy intersections and downtown building walls? Nowadays people go missing in Canada almost every day. Most of them are found fast and returned home safely, but for in some cases, the search continues for months. A missing person is always a tragedy for the family and friends. People have no rest, can’t sleep peacefully, when a family member is not at home and safe.
Over 20 missing and at-risk youth in Winnipeg are safe once again thanks to a joint project between the Winnipeg Police Service and community outreach programs.
From Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, Winnipeg Police Service's (WPS) Counter Exploitation/Missing Person's Unit, along with general patrol members from Central Division 11, partnered with five other community outreach services in Winnipeg.
This initiative resulted in police finding 21 missing young people, as well as arresting seven men between the ages of 18 and 55 for obtaining sexual services for consideration. Officers also made two additional arrests, including an outstanding arrest warrant.
Other statistics included:
- 7 Vehicles seized under the Highway Traffic Act for Prostitution offenses.
- 3 Deter and Identify Sex-Trade Consumers (D.I.S.C.) Stops were conducted.
- 108 Crime Prevention through Social Development (CPTSD) contacts were made to identify and assist those involved in sexual exploitation. These contacts included issuing 45 harm reduction kits and providing 20 safe rides.