NSW Police have launched a fresh appeal for public assistance to locate a 63-year-old man missing from the state’s Hunter region for more than a year.
Allan Bentley (pictured), was last seen leaving his home on Pindimar Road, Pindimar, about 7.30am on Tuesday 27 April last year.
He was reported missing by a close associate two days later, after he failed to return home and attend pre-arranged appointments.
At the time, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District conducted an extensive search for Mr Bentley with the assistance of specialist resources, however, attempts to locate him were unsuccessful.
It is believed Allan may have been driving a white coloured Holden combo van with NSW registration plates – UQG 146 – and the word ‘catering’ written on the side at the time of his disappearance.
As inquiries into Mr Bentley’s disappearance continue, police are renewing their appeal to the community to come forward with any information that may assist detectives with their ongoing investigations.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Gerard Lawson, said that while Allan lived somewhat of a reclusive lifestyle, his disappearance was out of character.
“Mr Bentley has no bank accounts or other assets investigators can utilise aside from his vehicle – which has never been located nor has its registration been renewed,” A/Supt Lawson said.
“We’ve established that he rarely left the Tea Gardens area where he resided and worked locally for cash-in-hand payments to make ends meet.
“He had very little money, had no known enemies and was well liked, with his unit was left in a state which implies to investigators that he had planned on returning home.
“His disappearance has left his family and associates longing for answers, and we hope this appeal spurs the flow of new information into where he may be,” A/Supt Lawson said.
Allan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of medium build, with a beard and short brown and grey hair.
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 31 July and Saturday 6 August 2022.
For more information on the campaign visit www.missingpersons.gov.au