Friday 21-Dec-2007 (0905 hrs CST)

Missing persons urged to make contact this Christmas
 
Missing persons are being encouraged to make contact this Christmas as part of a national campaign by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and State and Territory police agencies to reconnect missing persons with someone they trust. 
 
Detective Senior Constable Kerry Harris of the Northern Territory Police Missing Persons Unit said about two thirds of the 30,000 people reported missing each year are under the age of 18, while many others are elderly and often incapable of finding their way home. 
 
“Christmas is a time of reconnection and the best gift families and friends could wish for is to know about their missing loved one is safe and well.” 
 
“This does not necessarily mean that the missing person has to physically return home, rather we’d just like them to let someone they know and trust that they are okay, “said Senior Constable Harris. 
 
More than 99.5 percent of people reported missing are located within a short period of time but some 1600 people have been missing in Australia for more than six months. 
 
“Christmas is often a difficult time of year for families and friends of missing persons and for missing persons themselves. 
 
“There are often compelling reasons for a person not wanting to be found but the message of this campaign is to make contact with somebody who can be trusted whether that be the police, a friend of a family member, “he said. 
 
National figures show that on average one person is reported missing in Australia every 18 minutes and while many are located quickly, the impact on the families and friends of the missing persons can be devastating. It is important to remember that people are reported missing because someone cares greatly about them and is concerned for their welfare. 
 
Anyone with information about a missing person is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  
 
A complete* list of Territory missing persons is available at the following link:  
 
www.afp.gov.au/national/missing/profiles/nt  

*Editor's note - this is NOT a complete list!!
 
Among the missing persons still outstanding in the Territory are:  
 
Case 1 – Jamie HERDMAN  
 
DOB: 1980  
 
HERDMAN is described as male Caucasian, medium build, 75 kg, 175 cm tall, distinctive light coloured shoulder length dreadlocks. He was last seen on 26.11.06 at the Hi-Way Inn. 
 
Jamie’s brother Carl Herdman said, “If there is anybody out there with any little bit of information that could help us find my brother and bring him home, then please contact the Missing Persons Unit – any bit of information could help find him. 
 
“Jamie, if you are out there please let us know you are safe. We all miss you so much and just want you to come home.”