Police think someone in the community knows what has happened to missing Otago man Simon Garrick and have posted a $20,000 reward in the hope of finding him.
Simon hasn't been seen since 24 October last year and earlier this month Police launched a homicide inquiry in relation to his disappearance, after his family reported him missing in May.
Police say they hope that the $20,000 reward will prompt someone to come forward with information about where Simon is.
Operation Garrick investigation spokesperson, Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, says that while Police very much appreciate the information already received from the public, more information is needed to advance the investigation.
"We're no closer to finding Simon and we feel that the reward may provide an incentive and prick someone's conscience to come forward with information about where Simon might be," he says.
"We're certain that someone in the community and possibly in the criminal fraternity, definitely knows where Simon is. Our message to them is to come forward and contact us."
"Naturally, for the sake of Simon's family we would be really pleased if he is found alive and the investigation team is continuing to keep an open mind. However as time goes on the likelihood of a positive outcome is diminishing."
"As you can appreciate this has been a terrible time for Simon's family in not knowing what's happened to their son, brother and uncle. For his family's sake, we'd really like his disappearance resolved," says Detective Sergeant Shaw.
If Mr Garrick has been the subject of foul play, then the reward offers immunity from prosecution with conditions.
The $20,000 will be paid for material information or evidence, which establishes the location of Mr Garrick, and or leads to the conviction of people responsible for his death or disappearance. The reward is offered at the discretion of the Police Commissioner.
Mr Garrick is described as being of European descent, of thin build and 185cm tall. He was last seen wearing a white rugby jersey with a distinctive blue and yellow stripe detail.
Anyone who has seen him or has information about his whereabouts should contact Detective Sergeant Rob Hanna Dunedin Police on 03 471-4800, Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw of the Alexandra Police on 03 440 2503 or provide information anonymously via CrimeStoppers 0800 555 111.
Police say seven detectives continue to work on the case.
BACKGROUND
Simon failed to appear in the Alexandra District Court on 24 October 2012. The last confirmed sighting of him was at the Caversham Four Square Supermarket in Dunedin at 2pm on Tuesday 30 October 2012, where he purchased a number of items.
In the week prior to this last confirmed sighting in Caversham, Dunedin, Simon had been apprehended by Alexandra Police on 22 October in relation to driving and dishonesty offences. He was subsequently bailed to appear in the Alexandra District Court on 24 October 2012.
He did not appear and Police issued a warrant for his arrest in relation to his non-appearance.
From 22 to 24 October Simon had been staying in Wanaka before travelling on 24 October to Dunedin. There are three sightings of him at the Caversham Four Square Supermarket on 25, 29 and 30 October.
There has been no activity on his mobile phone or bank accounts after 30 October.
While Simon was wanted on warrants to arrest around the time of his disappearance, Police believe it unlikely that he has been evading them since then.
Tragically Simon's father died suddenly in December 2012. Simon did not make any contact with his family or attend the funeral.
ENDS
Released by Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, Southern Police