A missing girl was returned safely to her family following the help of Merton Council’s CCTV team who helped the police find her. 

The young girl, aged 15, had been reported missing on Wednesday 13 November. This led the police to contact the council to help with their investigation as they tried to trace her whereabouts. After a thorough search of all CCTV cameras, the young girl was spotted in Morden later that evening by a member of the team. After alerting the police, the team kept up with the girl’s movements on camera whilst regularly directing the units who were following close by. She was returned safely to her home.

Merton’s cabinet member for community safety, equalities and engagement, Councillor Edith Macauley said: “I’m happy that the young girl was found and safely returned to her family and that our CCTV team were able to play a key role in helping. This is a great example of how their expertise, quick-thinking and operation of the cameras were a great help to the police.”

Merton’s Deputy Borough Commander, Detective Superintendent David Palmer, said: “This clearly demonstrates the advantage of having an effective CCTV system, staffed by alert and effective operators. This example of effective partnership working has certainly ensured the safe return of the young person home and the saving of considerable police time. Merton Police will use every tool to its fullest, to ensure that Merton is the safest place it can be. We are very grateful to the CCTV staff as always, for their help and support.”

ENDS