What would the police do?

[MakeItAmazing]

If the police were going to ones house, unannounced, to give news rather than arrest someone, and no one was in would they just come back later (which seems a waste of their valuable time) or find a mobile number and call the person they want to see?

It depends on the kind of "news". If it were a death message for example, they would rather not give that over the phone so would try to come back. If it was something trivial they'd probably just try to find a phone number!

It’s not always easy to find a phone number.

There’s no phone book for mobile numbers. Unless that person has already had contact with the police and a current number is recorded, it is quicker and easier to just visit.

Okay, thank you.

Well, if the news was that somebody had died or the CPS were dropping one's sexual assault case, then I don't think delivering that in person would be a "waste of their valuable time".

Presumably they didn't think it was a "waste of their valuable time" the first attempt.

It really depends. They could come back, leave a card asking the person to call or interrogate all systems to try find a numbe (not always successful, obviously)

I’ve also seen me speak to neighbours if I do need to find someone fairly urgently.

Why are you asking OP, are you ok?

Fiddle, I saw the police driving down as I was on my way out and just had a feeling. I've been thinking for a couple of weeks about my mother and wondering if she's died. Just can't shake the feeling. Can't find any evidence on line that's she's alive or dead. I did used to be able to see a photo but not now.

Sorry, Fiddie. Autocorrect changed your name.

It could be absolutely anything, not all for sinister reasons.

If you are worried about your mum you can phone 101 and ask. Do you know her address or force area?

Does your Mother have an neighbours you could phone and ask to check on her?

We have no contact. She dumped me as a baby for a bloke and I haven't seen her in decades.

I’m really sorry to hear that. I wouldn’t worry about why they were at the door, it really could be for anything. If they need to, they will come back.

Thank you.

After my Nan died my cousin couldn’t find a phone number for my parents so spoke to their local police who got in touch with our local police. They came and no one was in so they left a note asking my parents to contact the local station and ask for a specific police officer (this was 20 years ago). When my parents contacted them later that afternoon they sent a family liaison officer round to break the news.

@MakeItAmazing sorry to hear that.

Is there anyone else you could ask?

try not to worry op.
they will either come back or leave a calling card with details for you to get in touch.

Every time we've had police knock on our door its just to ask about crime in local area and if we know anything so hopefully its nothing too serious.

I'm so stupid. There's no card so it probably was nothing. I've currently got concussion so I'm just not thinking right. Thanks everyone. You've all been very kind.

My head runs away with me sometimes, I know what that feels like.

Take it easy if you've got a concussion.

Thank you Been feeling very sick with a headache as well today. Planning a day at home tomorrow now.