Jena, May 11, 2026. Two children, aged five and six, caused a stir in Jena on Sunday evening. They were unable to return to their apartment and sought help from passersby, leading to a police intervention.
- What: Police operation due to helpless children
- When: Sunday evening, May 10, 2026
- Where: Kastanienstraße, Jena
- Who: Two children (5 and 6 years old), a helpful passerby, Jena Police
Forgetting the Time While Playing
According to the police, the two children had apparently simply forgotten the time while playing. As a result, they briefly lost sight of their mother. When the five- and six-year-olds wanted to return home, they faced a problem: they had neither a key nor a mobile phone with them to make themselves heard.
Furthermore, according to police reports, the runaways were unsure if their mother was even in the apartment. In their distress, they approached passersby in Kastanienstraße and asked for help.
Attentive Citizen Provides Assistance
A local resident reacted in an exemplary manner: he took care of the two children and alerted the police. He looked after the duo until the officers arrived. The police were able to resolve the situation quickly. The children’s mother was located promptly and was able to receive her two offspring safe and sound a short time later.
Guide: If Children Get Lost in the Urban Area
Thanks to attentive fellow citizens, such situations usually end well. Nevertheless, police and educators advise parents to train their children early on how to behave correctly in emergencies:
- Secure emergency data: Children should know their parents’ mobile number and their own home address by heart. Alternatively, a small, sewn-in note card in a backpack or jacket pocket helps.
- Seeking help correctly: Teach your child to specifically approach other families with children, security personnel, or shop assistants in stores in case of an emergency.
- Stay in place: If a child loses their caregiver while shopping or at the playground, they should wait where they last were if possible, instead of continuing to walk aimlessly.
Source:
Little runaways trigger police operation
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.