Family and friends of Justin Rutter, a 14-year-old who left home on Oct. 8, are planning to change their methods to help the teen.

Instead of organized search parties and putting up posters, the people who know him plan to find him through a more low-key route.

Justin was last spotted in Vanier on Oct. 14, telling his friends he does not want to go home.

The youth, who is described as "street smart", has been hanging around with individuals known to police. He frequents the Lowertown, Vanier and Overbrook area.

He was last seen wearing a white hooded sweatshirt/coat and dark jeans, and police describe him as five feet, four inches tall and weighing about 50 kg.

Meanwhile, a police investigation continues. Anyone with information should call Ottawa police at 613-236-1222 ext. 5355 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477(TIPS).