Missing Persons Week 2022 is being launched with a fresh appeal for public assistance to locate Brisbane woman Kathleen Riethmuller, who's been missing from Sydney for almost one year.
On Thursday 28 October 2021, the belongings of Kathleen Riethmuller – aged 28 – were located inside a backpack by a member of the public on Centennial Avenue at Lane Cove.
The backpack contained various items, including Kathleen's identification documents and bank cards.
Officers from North Shore Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation into her whereabouts.
Inquiries have revealed Kathleen attended a retail store on Reserve Road, Artarmon, about 11.40am on Thursday 28 October 2021, before she was sighted again at 2.30pm the same day in North Sydney, wearing a long sleeve denim dress and black flat shoes.
Police believe Kathleen may have travelled to Melbourne.
As inquiries into Kathleen's disappearance continue, police are renewing their appeal to the community to come forward with any information that may assist detectives with ongoing investigations.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said today's appeal was about uncovering more clues that may help locate Ms Riethmuller to ensure she is safe and well.
"The ripple effect that occurs when a person goes missing without reason or without a trace shouldn't be underestimated," Mr Toole said.
"Police are committed to finding Kathleen to provide answers to her family and those who knew her, but they need the public's help."
Missing Persons Registry Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Glen Browne, said police are heavily reliant on new information to locate Ms Riethmuller and urged the community to come forward.
"Detectives from both North Shore and Kings Cross have conducted extensive inquiries into Kathleen's movements and activities immediately before and after she went missing," Det Ch Insp Browne said.
"Her behaviour was clearly out of character when she was last seen, and we've been unable to establish any logical reason for her movements that day and subsequent disappearance.
"Investigators strongly suspect Kathleen may be alive and possibly living interstate, and any information to that effect would be very helpful to police.
"We continue to work off several possibilities as to why Kathleen disappeared but ultimately, we need the public's help – which is why we've chosen her case to highlight during this important week," Det Ch Insp Browne said.
Kathleen is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm – 175cm tall, of thin build, with long dark 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.
If you have been reported as missing it means that someone is concerned about your safety and welfare. It is not a crime to go missing. You should attend the nearest police station with identification so that Police can ascertain that you are safe and well.
For more information on the campaign visit www.missingpersons.gov.au
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information about Ms Riethmuller's whereabouts 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.
