Search for man stepped up
THE family of Alexandra man Christopher Bates has issued a plea for the local community to help find their missing son and brother.
Mr Bates (22) has not been seen since February 11 and a large search and rescue operation is under way.
Search and rescue teams from all over the South Island are in the Alexandra area trying to find the missing man.
Mr Bates’ mother, Trish Bates, said yesterday she was overwhelmed by the support of the Alexandra community and police and search and rescue teams, and thanked all who had helped with the search so far.
She said his disappearance was out of character and has now implored members of the public to dredge their minds for any possible sightings of her son.
‘‘Just sit there and think, could I possibly have seen him somewhere in the last few days? If you can think of or have seen any little thing, please contact police. Someone in the community must have seen something.’’
Mr Bates’ brother, Jonathan Bates, and Jonathan’s fiance Sidonne Gibson said it had been a tough few days but they were thankful for the town’s assistance.
‘‘He [Christopher] was getting quite close to us over the last couple of weeks. It [his disappearance] was out of the blue,’’ Ms Gibson said.
‘‘Everyone’s so helpful . . . the community spirit here is great . . . I’d personally like to thank them all.’’
Jonathan and Ms Gibson said Mr Bates graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting from the University of Otago last year.
Over the summer, he worked at vineyards and orchards in Earns cleugh and Bendigo.
The family has printed 2500 pamphlets asking for knowledge of Mr Bates’ whereabouts and they are being distributed in Alexandra and Clyde, including with a community newspaper today.
Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, of Alexandra, said search and rescue teams had doorknocked in some areas but any possible breakthrough could come from a member of the public.
‘‘We’re appealing for people to check their own properties, and we want walkers, hikers and cyclists to be on the lookout,’’ he said.
‘‘It could be anybody [who sees something]. The best people can do to help us is be vigilant.’’
Police were still checking data from phone companies and a bank relating to Mr Bates’ accounts, he said.
Beyond the Central Otago district, Land Search and Rescue teams came from as far as Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau and the Catlins.
Police dogs were also searching yesterday.
Additional dog teams were expected to arrive from Christchurch today.
Businesses were also being reminded to check their CCTV footage, including from food outlets, food courts and convenience stores, particularly on Sunday, February 11 and Monday, February 12.
Police said Mr Bates was familiar with Dunedin, but police had not started a formal search for him in the city. However, people in the city were still advised to look out for him.