The disappearance of a 12-year-old girl from Surrey, British Columbia has triggered mounting concern as the search approaches its one-week mark with few leads. Authorities have intensified their efforts to locate the child, identified as Emily Chen, who was last seen leaving her school in the Newton area on Thursday afternoon.
“Every hour that passes in a missing child case creates additional challenges,” said Inspector Sarah Collins of the Surrey RCMP during yesterday’s press briefing. “We’re urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward immediately.”
According to police reports, Emily was wearing a navy blue jacket, jeans, and carrying a purple backpack when she disappeared. Surveillance footage captured her walking along 72nd Avenue shortly after 3:15 PM, but her movements after that point remain unknown. Friends report she had mentioned plans to visit the local library, though staff confirmed she never arrived.
The disappearance has mobilized the community, with more than 200 volunteers joining search parties coordinated by the Surrey Search and Rescue team. These efforts have focused primarily on parks, ravines, and commercial areas within a five-kilometer radius of her last known location.
Emily’s parents, Michael and Grace Chen, made an emotional appeal at yesterday’s community gathering. “Our daughter is a kind, responsible girl who loves mathematics and her cat, Milo,” Mrs. Chen said, her voice breaking. “This is completely out of character for her. We just want her home.”
The case has raised broader questions about youth safety in the region. Statistics from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection show a concerning 18% increase in missing minor reports across British Columbia over the past year, with urban centers seeing the highest numbers.
The Surrey School District has implemented additional security measures in response to the disappearance, including increased supervision during dismissal times and expanded counseling services for students experiencing anxiety related to the incident.
“Children process these situations differently than adults,” explained Dr. Amrita Patel, child psychologist at Surrey Memorial Hospital. “Parents should maintain open conversations with their children, reassure them about their safety, while still emphasizing the importance of basic precautions.”
The RCMP has established a dedicated tip line at 604-599-0502 and is asking residents to check home security cameras and dashcam footage from Thursday afternoon. They’ve also requested businesses along major transit routes to review their surveillance systems.
As the search continues, community vigilance remains crucial. Social media campaigns using #FindEmilyC have generated thousands of shares, extending awareness beyond the Lower Mainland. Digital billboards throughout Metro Vancouver now display Emily’s information, a critical tool in generating potential leads according to missing persons experts.
What responsibilities do communities share in protecting their youngest members, and how might we strengthen these safety networks before crises occur?
