Gezocht

Gezocht is a Dutch adjective meaning "wanted" or "sought after." It appears as a heading on notices, posters, and announcements to indicate that a person, item, or information is being actively sought by an individual, organization, or authorities. In law enforcement and crime reporting, "Gezocht" is commonly used on police posters to describe a suspect, a missing person, or a stolen item. It signals that the matter is unresolved and that information from the public may be useful.

The term derives from the Dutch verb zoeken (to search); gezocht is the past participle and is used adjectivally to denote something that is being looked for. The usage is context-dependent: in police communications, it usually refers to a person (e.g., "Gezocht: Verdachte" – "Wanted: Suspect") or a missing person; in job advertising, it can precede roles in which an organization is actively seeking applicants (e.g., "Gezocht: Medewerker" – "Wanted: Employee").

In Dutch-speaking regions, posters bearing "Gezocht" are a familiar sight in media coverage of crime, public safety campaigns, and community alerts. They function as a call to the public for information and can include a description, a photograph, contact details, and sometimes a reward. The term is understood broadly and can be found in print, online, and on social media, reflecting its central role in public notices.

Gezocht is also used metaphorically or in headings to announce requests for donations, volunteers, or other help, though the policing and missing-person context is what most people associate with the term.