MISSING: Jason Richards
POLICE say many suspected sightings of a blue ute similar to that driven by missing Ballarat man Jason Richards have been reported since his disappearance became public.South Australia's Major Crime Investigation Branch has taken over the investigation into finding Mr Richards because of the "circumstances surrounding his disappearance".But police have not said they are undertaking a murder investigation.Click below for audio of the police press conference.Major Crime Branch officer in charge, Superintendent Grant Doyle, said BankSA Crime Stoppers had received 23 calls on Mr Richards' disappearance, with sightings of the ute reported both east and west of Pimba."We've had sightings in riverlands, in the Mildura area, the Barossa region and also the west coast of South Australia," he said."We are making enquiries to verify and follow-up all of those sightings, but we do seek further information...in regards to any sightings of the vehicle."Superintendent Doyle said Mr Richards left Darwin late on the evening of Sunday June 19 and made contact with his family at Alice Springs and Coober Pedy as he made his way south.
It was today revealed he also tried to call one family member on the morning of Tuesday June 21, but didn't get through."Since that time, Jason has not been seen or heard of again," Superintendent Doyle said."Whilst we sincerely hope for all concerned that Jason is found safe and well, the circumstances of his disappearance raise grave concerns for us in regards to his safety and welfare.Police also confirmed Mr Richards had not accessed his bank account since June 19.Click here for the Facebook page that has been set up to help find Jason Richards.Superintendent Doyle said it was difficult to speculate what had happened to Mr Richards, but confirmed a burnt-out boat found at Pimba is believed to have been recently purchased by the Ballarat man.He said police were looking into road checkpoints along major roads and accessing video footage to determine if Mr Richards' ute did drive past a camera at any stage."We have no reason to suspect that he had any difficulties or would go missing of his own accord...he has clearly shown a pattern of his desire to return home." Superintendent Doyle said.Police said no trace of Mr Richards' dog, Amy, has been found, but it's believed she is expecting pups within the next two weeks.Mr Richard's mother Yvonne spoke to The Courier on Monday and made an emotional plea for information regarding his whereabouts. "It's just not knowing that's the hardest," Mrs Richards said. "His partner is just devastated - we haven't told the kids yet." The father-of-two is driving a navy blue 1991 Toyota Hilux ute with a metal dog cage on the back, registration ODV 747. Mr Richards was also towing a trailer loaded with an aluminium boat, which was found abandoned and slightly burnt, just off the Stuart Highway at Pimba in South Australia. He also has a pointer-cross dog with him named Amy, who is white with brown spots. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts or sightings of Mr Richards, his dog or his blue Hilux ute, can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.auVideo: AdelaideNow