The family of a missing woman, Catrin Maguire, has expressed dissatisfaction with the police, claiming that authorities have not improved their handling of disappearances. Investigations are underway regarding Catrin’s disappearance in 2021.
Though the police have indicated a possible reopening of the case, Catrin’s family is not entirely satisfied with this decision.
Her parents, Gerry and Wendy, from Holyhead, Wales, have criticized the police for not keeping them informed, learning about this update through a television program rather than directly from the authorities.
The couple expressed frustration over this development, citing the poor communication they experienced during the initial investigation when Catrin went missing.
A report by North Wales Police last year revealed six significant failings in their investigation, highlighting issues such as poor communication and the absence of a family liaison officer.
Catrin, a student at Bangor University, went missing in November 2021 at the age of 22 after purchasing a return ticket to Holyhead, Anglesey.
She was last captured on CCTV on the afternoon of November 15, seen walking near the South Stack Cliffs RSPB nature reserve.
On the Welsh TV program The World on Four, North Wales Police assistant chief constable Gareth Evans stated that the force was considering reopening the appeal for Catrin.
He mentioned, “We are looking to relaunch the appeal [into Catrin’s case] to try to get more information out of the community.”
Gerry and Wendy discovered this update from an article previewing the program.
Commenting on this revelation, Gerry said, “We are livid.
“There is nothing worse than having to read it online. Communication is the key thing they say they’ve now addressed in cases like this, and we’re thinking, ‘No you haven’t’. We’re finding things out second-hand and it’s upset the family again.
“Poor communication has run through everything like a stick of rock.”
The family believes the renewed focus on Catrin’s case is just a ‘token gesture’ influenced by media attention.
Gerry added, “They have to be seen to be doing something, but I think if it wasn’t for us bringing their failings into the open through the program and WalesOnline, this would not have happened.”
In response, a spokesperson for North Wales Police defended the decision to renew the appeal for information.
The spokesperson stated: “Whilst no ongoing missing person case is ever ‘closed’, a renewed appeal is something the force will often consider and is in no way out of the ordinary.
“In the context of the wider interview, ACC Gareth Evans did make clear the force would respect the wishes of the Maguire family in respect of appeals, and during the interview he also said he was prepared to meet [the family] to discuss any concerns they had.
“The force is actively seeking to facilitate this. However, as there has been a short amount of time between recording and transmission, this is still ongoing.”