Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad are appealing for public information as part of their investigation into the 2006 disappearance of Wangoom man, Christopher Jarvis.
Chris was last seen at around 6am on Tuesday 13 June, 2006, when he left the house he shared with his partner and stepchildren on Warrne Road in Wangoom.
He was expected to arrive at work, a freight company in Warrnambool, shortly after, but staff from Chris' workplace contacted his partner at 7.30am when he still hadn't arrived.
At approximately 8am, Chris' car - a silver 1991 Ford station wagon with the licence plates RVA 469 - was located on fire at Thunder Point, a popular coastal lookout in Warrnambool.
Initial indications suggested that Chris' disappearance was not suspicious, however enquiries made by the Missing Persons Squad have identified circumstances which would indicate the involvement of another person or people.
Consequently, they are now of the belief that Chris likely met with foul play.
Police are today releasing images of Chris and of his burnt-out car in the hope that someone may have seen Chris or his vehicle on the morning of 13 June, 2006 and is yet to speak to police.
They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw or spoke to Chris in the lead up to his disappearance or who may have information on his movements.
Police would like to thank everyone who has provided information to date, and continue to appeal to anyone with further information regarding Chris' disappearance to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 300 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper, Missing Persons Squad:
"Those responsible for Chris' disappearance have had to live with this secret for 16 years - maybe thinking they'd got away with it, maybe knowing the day would come when they would be called to account for their actions.
"16 years is a very long time to be looking over your shoulder.
"After so long, friendships falter and allegiances change. There may be people out there who are now in a position to come forward and speak to police to provide answers for Chris' loved ones.
"We believe that there are people in the Warrnambool community - likely still residing here - who have information that will assist investigators with our enquiries.
"Now is the time to do the right thing and to come forward. Any information received by police will be investigated thoroughly, and we will continue to search for the truth of what happened to Chris to provide those answers to his loved ones, and to the Warrnambool community."
