Following a missing person alert to the Stamford Hill Search and Rescue Shomrim on the afternoon of Friday 26th November from anxious family members of an elderly male suffering from dementia, Police and Stamford Hill Shomrim units were hastily alerted in order to coordinate a search. The widespread search of the surrounding area continued throughout Friday night as the temperature fell below zero and past dawn on Shabbat morning. Rabbonim in Stamford Hill and Golders Green were approached prior to the Z’man for practical guidance with regards to halachic issues connected to conducting a full scale search on Shabbos.
The effort involved the Police including CID, British Transport Police and a helicopter unit, the North West London Shomrim, and the Chaverim – a community support group based in Stamford Hill. The Jewish Police Association, was involved from the outset liaising with the Shomrim and the police, and making sure that the search remained a top priority.
The missing person was eventually found by Hertfordshire Police who confirmed that a person matching his description had been picked up. Following a positive identification he was examined by a medical team and transported back home.
Stamford Hill Shomrim would like to thank the Metropolitan Police officers and staff involved in the search, Inspector Jeffrey Hall, Jewish Police Association chairman Inspector Mathew Shaer and Chaverim for their assistance as well as extending a special thanks to the Duty Officer, Inspector Simon Crick and his team of police officers for taking a personal approach in the search and attending the Central Command Centre continuously throughout the night. Special appreciation is accredited to the Coordinators and Volunteers of Northwest London Shomrim who demonstrated their total dedication in assisting their Stamford Hill counterparts.