3C5 2006 variant 2.0TDI hatch not locking

[Rtjs_123]

Hi all, today I closed the hatch of my variant and it bounced back, the lock did not catch. i can move the mechanism and where it would normally lock into the locked position to hold the door in closed position, it now just moves freely back and forth. The hatch just stays unlocked now and it can be lifted open without using the door handle. If I lock the car with the key and then open hatch, the alarm does go off. Using the driverside door button or the key button to open the hatch does not result in anything, no clicking noises, etc. Before I get started I'm wondering if anyone has any insights into where to start looking. I'll be very thankful for any insights as I'm about to start a 2000km road trip in 10 days.