This year, Northern Territory Police is supporting the National Missing Persons Week initiative to raise awareness of the importance of reporting a missing loved one as soon as possible.
The annual event is coordinated by the National Missing Persons Unit (NMPU), hosted by the AFP in Canberra, in an effort to raise awareness. It will run from Monday 2 August through to Saturday 7 August.
This year's theme is 'When someone goes missing, a day spent waiting is a day lost'.
Research has shown there is a persistent myth that people believe they have to wait 24 hours to report a person missing. So this year the focus is to dispel this myth. If you don't know the whereabouts of a loved one and you are concerned for their safety and welfare, you don't have to wait before reporting to police.
It is important to report early so that evidence is not lost in time and potential witnesses are able to provide accurate information.
The longer taken to report a missing person, the higher the risk is of losing valuable evidence.
NT Police is still seeking local and interstate public assistance to locate the missing people listed below. To view a full list please visit www.missingpersons.gov.au/.
Karen KELLY @ BROOK
Age: 46 years.
Description: Caucasian female, 175-179cms tall, very slim build, dark brown hair cut in a concave bob style with a fringe (short at the back and longer at the front). Has a 10 x 5 cm skin coloured scar on her left inner forearm. Normally has painted fingernails. Last seen wearing black denim mini-skirt and light coloured t-shirt and carrying a large handbag.
Circumstances: Karen was driving NT registration 700 (yellow lettering on blue background). The vehicle had a missing passenger side front hub cap, a crack in the front windscreen that extends horizontally from the middle of the windscreen to the edge of the passenger side and the paint on the roof of the vehicle had faded due to UV damage.
Concerns are held for the welfare of Karen who has not been seen by family or friends since she left her Darwin River home at approximately 1300hrs on Sunday 18 April 2010.
Bryan MAXTED
Age: 26 years.
Description: Caucasian, fair complexion, medium build, short light brown to ginger hair, approx 170cm tall.
Reported Missing: 5 October 2009
Investigations by NT Police and NSW Police established the missing man had flown to Sydney on 28 September 2009, staying at the Raddison Hotel in O'Connell St. He had booked for three nights but extended his stay until 4 October. On 5 October it was reported to NSW Police that property belonging to Bryan was found left in the hotel room and he had not checked out. Bryan Maxted has not been seen or heard from since.
Georg SCHNEIDER
Age: 45 years.
Description: German, Caucasian, slim build, dark brown shoulder length hair, birth mark on neck, scars on both lower arms, wears glasses.
Reported Missing: 27 August 2007
Circumstances are that on 17 January, 2007, Geord Schneider boarded a flight departing Frankfurt, Germany, destination Sydney, Australia. On 19 January, 2007, he boarded a second flight from Sydney, arriving in Yulara, Northern Territory on this date.
Georg is described by his family as a loner who had in his possession a small amount of luggage (that possibly included a tent and back pack), as well as a small amount of cash. It is believed that the only navigational device he may have had in his possession was a compass and did not possess any bank cards.
He intended to trek from Yulara to Alice Springs, possibly via The Olga's and had a pre-booked flight from Alice Springs to Sydney on 17 February, 2007 and a second pre-booked flight on 22 February, 2007 from Sydney to Frankfurt, Germany. Georg did not make either of these flights and has not been seen or heard from since.
If any member of the public knows the location of a missing person they are urged to encourage that person to contact their family, someone they trust or the local police on 131 444.
Further information about National Missing Persons Week can be found at www.missingpersons.gov.au/.
Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185
