Police are renewing an appeal for information as the search continues for a man missing in the state’s south, after his dog and vehicle were located.
John Locker – also known as Tony – was last seen on Culey Avenue, Cooma, about 1pm on Monday (29 April 2024).
Family reported the missing 77-year-old to Monaro Police District that evening, with inquiries commencing to locate him.
Officers attached to Monaro Police District, with assistance from PolAir, the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Services (RFS), NSW Marine Rescue, and ACT Police have been involved in land and water searches, but Mr Locker has not been located.
About 10.30pm last night (Friday 3 May 2024), police were alerted to a dog being located by residents in Kiah Avenue, Cooma. Council rangers attended and confirmed it to be John’s dog, ‘Sophie’.
The search involving local police and volunteers, SES and RFS resumed about 7am this morning (Saturday 4 May 2024) and John’s Toyota utility was located about 3pm this afternoon, near farmland, 10km south of Cooma. A coordinated search is now focusing on this area and neighbouring properties.
Monaro Police District Duty Officer, Acting Inspector Tyrone Stacey said thank you to the local community for assisting with information and supporting police and John’s family in the search.
“We continue to hold concerns for John’s welfare and urge residents to check their properties and outbuildings for any sign of John”, A/Insp Stacey said.
John is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm-190cm tall, about 80kg-90kg, of medium build, with short white and grey hair, and brown eyes and may be travelling with his dog, a black and white Border Collie named Sophie.
He is known to frequent the following areas, Carlaminda, Buckenderra, Berridale, Cooma, Numerella, Bobundra, Jindabyne, Adaminaby, and Old Adaminaby.
Anyone with information into John’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
