JESSICA Small, abducted in 1997, and Janine Vaughan, who went missing from Bathurst in 2001, are among the hundreds of long-term missing persons cases which police are promoting as part of National Missing Person’s Week.
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Jessica, then 15, was last seen alive after she and a friend, Vanessa Conlan, hitchhiked from the Bathurst CBD to Kelso in October 1997.
En route the driver of the car stopped in Hereford Street, and a struggle broke out. Vanessa made it out of the car, but Jess has never been seen again.
Janine Vaughan was last seen alive after getting into a small red car in Keppel Street in the early hours of December 7, 2001.
As police promote these and other long-term missing person cases, they reminded people to follow their instincts when it comes to reporting people missing.
“Follow your instincts” is the theme of this year’s campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons.
The campaign will continue until Saturday, August 8. This year police hope to debunk a number of common misconceptions regarding missing persons.
Most importantly, police say if you suspect a friend or family member has gone missing, you don’t have to wait 24 hours to take action.
‘Follow your instincts’ and report the matter to police immediately.
Anyone with information on the Jessica Small or Janine Vaughan matters are urged to contact Bathurst Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.