FoI Request Also Reveals Seven Parental Abduction Cases In City

New figures released by charity Parents and Abducted Children Together (PACT) have revealed the rate of child abductions and kidnappings in Manchester stands at double the national average.

Released under the Freedom of Information Act and published by the MEN, the findings revealed that Greater Manchester Police recorded 2.4 incidents of such crimes for every 100,000 people between April 2013 and March 2014. The national average stands at 1.3.

It was also revealed that seven of the cases related to parental child abduction, which often occurs after parents separate.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of child abductions in England and Wales increased by 11 per cent during 2013-14 – marking the first increase seen since 2004-05.

Ann Coffey, MP for Stockport and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Runaway and Missing Children and Adults, told the MEN the figures were “very disturbing” and added: “Everything possible must be done to return missing children as quickly as possible.”

Expert Opinion

Through our work on behalf of many families affected by abduction issues, we have seen the huge emotional toll that this can take not only on the parents involved but also of course the children at the centre of the issue. <br/> <br/>"The figures released relating to Manchester are a significant concern and it is vital that authorities carefully consider the findings, with the ultimate aim of assessing what else can be done to improve measures to tackle such problems. <br/> <br/>"The best interests of children should always come first and parents must recognise the huge implications that moving a child from home to home can have on their lifestyle – and ultimately their emotional development. <br/> <br/>"It should always be remembered that laws are in place governing the process for deciding where children should live, with agreements across most European countries and Hague Convention Countries in place to help to both locate children wrongfully taken by a parent and return them to their home as swiftly as possible. <br/> <br/>"If you are concerned that you child may be taken from your care by the other parent, you should take immediate legal advice, particularly where there is a risk they will be taken abroad."