Disconnect in homes one reason for children running away

Speaking at the weekly police press briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain yesterday, Hackshaw said, “For children, there must be some level of command in the home. Parents must take charge at the home, and if there is indiscipline and disconnect, then children will become rebellious and will become resistant to order.” He said the Police Service has taken note of the high amount of reports of missing people – particularly girls under 18 – and have been implementing strategies to curb the trend of children going missing then turning up days later, having gone to a friend or companion’s home without informing family members.

Hackshaw said the police have been using the Community Policing division to advise parents and families about care and custody of children. The officers also remind parents that it is a criminal offence to leave children unattended.

Yesterday, media releases issued by the police revealed that two sisters under the age of 20 have been reported missing while a 17-yearold girl, Shania Samuel, who was reported missing on Saturday last, has been found.

Javanie Harrichand, 21, and Anessa Noreiga, 19, were reported missing by their mother at the St Joseph Police Station on Monday.

Harrichand is five feet, five inches tall, of East Indian descent with a medium build and dark complexion.

Noreiga, also five feet, five inches, is of a mixed descent with a light brown complexion and has tattoos with the words “High Life” on the left side of her neck and “Noreiga” on her left hand.

They were last seen leaving their Williams Street, Champs Fleurs home last Wednesday.

Harrichand was last seen wearing a pair of dark coloured jeans and a pair of green sneakers, while Noreiga was last seen wearing a red blouse and a pair of black leggings.