Police step up search

POLICE will soon ramp up their search efforts in a bid to find Pakenham man Nathan Giles who has been missing for 18 days.
Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy of Pakenham police said officers were planning to conduct more searches of places frequented by the 22-year-old.
The discovery of Mr Giles’ silver Holden Commodore in Pakenham Upper on 24 July sparked a full scale search involving the dog squad, police air wing and search and rescue squad. They searched bushland in Pakenham Upper, including the Gordon Road property where his abandoned car was found.
Housemates reported Mr Giles missing on Friday 24 July. He was last seen at his Pakenham abode on Saturday 18 July.
Sen Sgt McCarthy said friends and family were concerned about the welfare of Mr Giles.
“He hasn’t been a missing person previously,” he said. “We are keen to speak to any members of the public who have had contact with Mr Giles. We are very concerned for his welfare.”
About 35,000 people were reported missing to police each year across Australia. According to police, more than 95 per cent are found within one week.
This week is National Missing Persons Week, and Victoria Police and a range of other organisations, including Alzhei-mers Australia, are urging members of the community to come forward with information and give affected families much- needed peace of mind. Mr Giles is caucasian, tall and of thin build with short light brown hair, a fair complexion and unshaven. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black hooded jumper.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.- Melissa Grant