Winnipeg police have changed their approach and are trying to reach out to kids before they become runaways.
Officers with the Missing Persons Unit in Winnipeg realize they're often in a race against time and against predators who prey on young girls.
Because police were faced with anywhere from 70 to 140 missing people every day, they've decided to find out what makes kids run in the first place, instead of only reacting once they're missing.
"We're getting involved early on. We're trying to identify kids at risk early on and we're intervening," said Sgt. Bob Christmas with the Missing Persons Unit.
Cherisse Houle, 17, was a chronic runaway who was killed this summer. Her body was dumped outside Winnipeg. Houle's cousin Elexcyus Kramble says more needs to be done to keep kids safe.
"Somebody has to die before anything before anything happens and that's what I want to stop, prevent somebody from dying," said Kramble.
Police and child protection officials are aiming to keep kids safer.
They will be stepping up the use of Manitoba's harbouring laws to help protect kids. Under the harbouring laws, people can face a $50,000 fine for taking in runaways. Officials say the laws can reduce a predator's access to children.
Police believe they're making progress working with kids. Officers say the more they get to know the kids, the more willing they are to listen and get help.
- with a report from CTV's Kelly Dehn
