Police have warned that the delayed reporting of sightings of two missing teenagers has hindered efforts to locate them.

A police spokesman thanked the public for their efforts in helping to find Ajahni Lema-Bascome, 16, and Raquel Sofia Sousa-Sequeira, 15.

He added that while reports of sightings are still encouraged, they should be done immediately if they are to be any value.

The spokesman said: “Unfortunately, many of those reports were called in days later and are of limited use by the time the information is received.

“As a reminder, any sightings of either missing teen should be reported immediately, and harbouring a juvenile is an offence punishable under the law.

“Any individual/s found committing such an offence should expect to be prosecuted.”

Ajahni is described as light-complexioned, 5ft 8in tall and of slim build, weighing approximately 125lb, and has dark-coloured hair.

He was last seen at about 11.30pm on November 9 in the Slippery Hill area of St George’s.

Raquel is described as light-complexioned, 5ft tall and of slim build, with neck-length black hair.

She was last seen at about 7.30am on December 3 in the Middle Road area of Smith’s.

Both youngsters have been in contact with friends and close relatives, but police have not received any information regarding their whereabouts.

Both are apparently in good health and are likely being helped by adults — an offence punishable by a maximum fine of $3,000 or six months in prison.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ajahni Lema-Bascome or Raquel Sofia Sousa-Sequeira should call the police’s Vulnerable Persons Unit on 295-0011 or the Department of Child and Family Services on 278-9111.