By BRIDGET COOK
CASEY police have renewed calls for information about missing persons cases during National Missing Persons Week.
This week, from 28 July to 3 August, marks the 25th anniversary of the national event which aims to attract fresh leads in missing persons cases around the nation.
Last year alone more than 8500 people went missing from somewhere in Victoria.
More than half of those reported missing between in the year to June 2013 were under the age of 17.
Just this week, a Cranbourne mother and her eight-year-old son were reported missing by their family after they had not been seen since Saturday.
The pair were found safe and well after the mother returned to her Cranbourne house on Monday, while her child was located at his Cranbourne school.
However some cases are not closed so quickly, and Casey police have called for information on two local cases.
Hampton Park woman Liridona Calaki, 23, has been missing since 26 April this year.
Ms Calaki is described as 169cm tall, has tanned skin, hazel-coloured eyes and brown hair.
Police are also seeking information about Christele Brunet, from the Berwick and Noble Park area, who has been missing since 7 December 2010.
Casey CIU Detective Senior Constable Jacinta Cowton said she was last seen in the Ventnor area of Phillip Island.
“She was reported missing on 14 April 2010 and was located in that area on 7 December that year.
“She has since been reported missing again after her family have had no contact from her after being located by police.
“We believe she may be residing in the Leongatha area.
“She and her last know boyfriend appear to travel around and work for people for cash and work for board.
“We need her to get in contact with police so we can mark her as being OK and stop searching for her.”
This year’s focus for National Missing Persons Week is mental illness and recognising the warning signs before a loved one goes missing.
Commander Doug Fryer, from Intelligence and Covert Support Command, said even the tiniest piece of information could be the crucial key to locating someone who’s missing.
“A significant number of those reported missing each year sadly suffer from some form of mental illness,” he said.
“When a loved one, family member or friend disappears without explanation, it causes significant heartache for the families involved.
“We know that some people don’t want to be found. It’s not our job to judge, but rather make sure that anyone reported as missing is safe and well.
“For those of you who may have started a new life without your family or friends knowledge please let police know so we can at least alleviate some of that pain.
“You don’t need to tell us where you are, just that you’re OK.”
To report someone missing contact the local police station.
Further information on National Missing Persons Week can be found at www.missingpersons.gov.au.
