Detectives from the Homicide Squad are today appealing for public assistance as part of their investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Craigieburn man Adrian Romeo.
Adrian was last seen by his family about 5.30pm on Saturday 10 February at his Dempster Drive address.
The 43-year-old told his parents he was going to Greenvale to visit some associates and left the property in a gold 2004 Toyota Camry sedan.
It’s believed he attended a property in Greenvale and spoke to a number of associates there.
His vehicle has not been seen since and his phone and bank cards have not been used.
He has also not contacted any family or friends.
Adrian’s family subsequently reported him missing to police on Monday, 12 February.
His disappearance is considered completely out of character.
Local police initially searched for Adrian and posted information about his disappearance, however were unable to locate him or his gold Toyota Camry.
Police have spoken with a large number of Adrian’s friends and associates since his disappearance in the hope someone had heard from him or had information about his current whereabouts.
A significant CCTV canvas was also undertaken with police working through hours of footage to try and trace his last known steps.
Detectives have also received information from a number of people in relation to Adrian’s possible whereabouts or sightings, however none of these avenues of enquiry have proven fruitful.
Adrian’s disappearance is now being treated as suspicious and the investigation is being led by the Homicide Squad.
Police are keen to speak to anyone with information about Adrian’s movements in the lead up to his disappearance, or anyone who knows the current whereabouts of his gold Toyota Camry.
Detectives are releasing several images of Adrian in the hope that will assist people to come forward with information about his disappearance.
Police have also released images of his gold Toyota Camry in the hope someone can provide information about the vehicle’s current whereabouts.
Investigators are also open to the possibility that the vehicle may have been dumped or sold in Adrian’s absence.
Anyone with any other information regarding his disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Homicide Squad:
“Adrian’s disappearance is incredibly concerning for police, as well as his friends and family. He appeared to be much loved by everyone who knew him and had a close circle of friends he had known for some years.
Initially consideration was given that he may have left of his own accord, however a significant time has now passed with no sign of Adrian or his vehicle, and his phone and bank accounts have not been touched.
The fact we have not been able to locate his car is especially worrying and we are keen to speak to anyone who may know the current whereabouts of that vehicle.
There is the potential that it has been dumped somewhere, stolen or sold and we’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the gold Toyota Camry. It may potentially be sitting in a street somewhere so I urge people to keep a look out for it.
Both local police and Homicide Squad detectives have spoken with a number of people over the past five months in an effort to trace his last steps, but no one has been able to shed any light on where he may be now.
However, we have had a number of people provide information at various times since February about Adrian’s disappearance and so we remain confident there are people out there who know what has happened to him.
We are hopeful that today’s appeal leads to more people coming forward. Any information provided to detectives will be followed up thoroughly in the hope we can provide some answers for Adrian’s family.
Sadly, at this time we do believe Adrian has likely met with foul play.
As such, we’re keen to speak to anyone who has information about what has happened, who may have been involved and what the motivation for harming Adrian was.
I encourage anyone with any information at all to speak to police or information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.”
Natalie Webster
