(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Caregivers for people at risk of wandering off can pick up a kit from the Cook County sheriff's office that would help in the search.
Sheriff Tom Dart on Wednesday said his office searched for 227 missing people this year -- finding all but five of them.
Many of those who disappear have dementia or autism.
Dart says studies find about half of autistic children under the age of 14 are likely to wander at some point.
His office has 800 scent kits that it's making available for free.
After rubbing the material on the at-risk person you can keep the kit in freezer where it should be good for up to 10 years.
Police officer Jim Pacetti says the kits will make it easier for their bloodhounds to hone in on the right scent, instead of a piece of clothing or something that may have several people's smells on it.
To request a kit, call the sheriff's office or go on their website.
The sheriff's office has four bloodhounds that track missing persons - Lulubelle, Kelly, MC and AJ. All females.