Working to establish a missing man's movements over a six hour period between confirmed sightings is just one of the priorities for Waikato Police searching for a missing Waikato man in Hamilton.
Waikato Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Karl Thornton, said a search boat was launched about 8am today to search along the Waikato River and its banks searching for 38-year-old Melbourne tennis coach, Paul Arber, who was last seen about 4am on Sunday by Hamilton's Victoria Bridge.
"At the same land based teams are searching various locations around the river and the City including parks, walkways, buildings and other areas where a person may have gone and be out of view.
"While we conduct these searches the public has a key part to play as well. When Paul was seen about 10pm on Saturday he was wearing quite distinctive blue, orange and white Adidas sports shoes and a grey Wilson's tracksuit. But when seen in the Waikato River he was described as only being clad in a pair of black shorts."
Mr Thornton said aside from physically locating Mr Arber, locating where his clothes may have been abandoned was a crucial piece of the puzzle for investigators trying to map out his movements.
"That is why we're asking people to search their properties, local walkways, parks and reserves for any items of clothing or property that may seem out of place, if you find something then you're asked to not disturb it, leave it in place and contact Police."
As part of today's activities, Police have moved the mobile police station that was on Grey St to Victoria St, by the Waikato Museum.
"This is in line with the last confirmed sighting of Paul by the western riverbank near the Victoria Bridge, in line with this sighting we're also appealing for people who may have been in the area of Victoria, Bridge and Grantham Streets around 4am Sunday who may have seen someone acting unusually, or, in the water."
"At this stage it is important not only for Police but also for the public to maintain an open mind about what may have happened to Paul and his whereabouts. At this point in time there is no information to suggest anything suspicious, not was there any confirmed sighting of him re-entering the water. Neither has any of the out of character behaviour reported to us indicated any desire from Paul to harm himself or others so its really important not to become too focused on one point."
Mr Arber is described as a male Caucasian; of slight build about 179cm tall with short dark hair.
A vegan who only drinks bottled water, Police, and family members in Hamilton assisting with the search, believe Paul could appear vulnerable and disorientated.
"The key thing for both searchers and the family is if you see something- do something, ask the person if they need help and phone Police on 111."
Any information that may assist in locating Mr Arber can be provided to investigators by contacting the Hamilton Police Station on 07 858 6200 or leaving details at the mobile Police station situated at the southern end of Victoria St in Hamilton's CBD.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on
0800 555111.
End
