Virtual chat: Chief Inspector Tim Bonnett

A: Stranger abductions are very rare, probably less than ten in a year in the whole country. However, I know of cases where the children are not missing as such but have been lured away and returned, commonly for sexual exploitation. These are still unusual, but we don't get to hear about it unless the child talks about what they have done (which is not likely).

If you look on the UK Missing and Exploited Children Web Site, there are some simple rules about child safety that should be followed. The first and most basic rule is: know where your child is, or should be, at all times. It is also useful if parents identify to their children the people who can help them if they become lost. Never ever, as I have heard some parents do when their child is misbehaving in public, point at a police officer and say 'Behave yourself or they'll take you away!' Children need to be wary of strangers but also know that there are key people who will help them.

Q: Do you think television could play a much bigger role in telling young children that 'running away' will not solve their problems?
Marie

A: EastEnders recently had a storyline about a 15-year-old character who went missing. (I am told - I don't watch the programme). I can remember children in drama programmes discussing running away or going off briefly when there are problems at home. This is important. Teenagers do sometimes need a bit of space or need help and support. The message is that they should seek this through people they can, or should, be able to trust.

The essential thing is that they let their parents know they are safe - if they are. The National Missing Persons Helpline message home service gives a freephone contact number that can be a 'go-between' contact point. The number is 0800 700740.

Q: What's worse for a child: living in an abusive relationship with those that are meant to protect it or living on the streets?
Helenkel

A: A child needs to be in a caring environment. This will never be found on the streets. I have worked for many years with the Social Services and other caring agencies and the Victoria Climbie case is exceptional. I have known children get real help and support to have a better life through many routes. It is rare that a child has no-one to turn to. A trusted teacher, a friend's parent, a grandmother, aunt or whatever will be better than life on the streets.

One of the real issues around missing children is that it is actually illegal for shelters to take in young people. There are only two hostels in the whole country offering a total of 18 bed spaces for children under 17 years. This needs to be addressed. If a child is in an abusive situation, and there is a lack of trust in government agencies, the Children's Society, NSPCC, Barnardos and others can offer a route to help. The route to help is unlikely to be found on the street where both girls and boys can become involved in crime, sexual exploitation and other dangers.