Victoria Police and the family of missing 23-year-old Joshua Bishop have made a public appeal for information regarding his disappearance, describing the case as deeply out of character and emotionally devastating for those closest to him.
Acting Detective Sergeant Matthew Wilson-Hawe, from the Hume Crime Investigation Unit addressed the media confirming that Joshua was last seen by his housemates at his Lalor Cr home around 8:30pm on Tuesday 27 May. He has not accessed his phone or bank accounts since that evening. Authorities are treating the situation with urgency and have not ruled out suspicious circumstances.
“This is out of character,” Sergeant Wilson-Hawe said. “He’s never been reported missing before, and has no prior police involvement. We’re exploring all avenues, including the possibility of criminal associations.”
Extensive search
Joshua’s phone was last tracked to Broadmeadows Valley Park at approximately 11:30pm on the night he vanished. A search of the area involving canine units, drones, and foot patrols has turned up no signs of him.
His vehicle was located on 3 June in Albion. Police believe it may have been parked there by Joshua prior to his disappearance. While theft is a possibility being explored, at this time police say the vehicle appears unrelated to his disappearance.
“We need information,” Sergeant Wilson-Hawe said. “We don’t know where he is, or why he left. Anyone who might have seen or spoken to Joshua is urged to come forward.”
Authorities say they are speaking with associates and individuals who may be involved in criminal activity, but no direct link to Joshua has been established. CCTV from the Broadmeadows area has not yet revealed anything useful, and police are asking local residents and businesses to review their surveillance footage from May 27.
Someone knows
Joshua’s mother, Kristie, appeared alongside family members in an emotional press conference, describing her son as health-conscious, family-oriented, and deeply loved.
“This is not something he would do unless he felt he had to,” she said. “We spoke daily. He always called me back. I just want him to know that we love him and we are here for him.”
Kristie recounted how she and her son Riley went to the police after friends also reported not hearing from Joshua. She noted her concerns about his recent mental health, pointing out noticeable weight loss and behavioral changes.
“We were just hoping he needed time out. But we haven’t heard anything.”
Joshua’s younger brother said the family is struggling under the weight of uncertainty.
“He was always the one we looked up to,” he said. “Now I’m trying to be strong for everyone else. It’s hard.”
The family described Joshua as a young man passionate about fitness, studying personal training, and interested in cryptocurrency. They said he always put others before himself – possibly to his own detriment.
Plea for help
The Bishop family and police alike emphasized that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial. They urged people not to be afraid to come forward – even anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
“There’s nothing that can’t be fixed,” Kristie said. “We just want to know he’s safe. Even if someone just says, ‘He’s okay,’ that’s all we need.”
Police confirmed they are working with the Missing Persons Squad, which brings specialized expertise and resources to the investigation. No additional searches are planned at this time, pending new leads.
Authorities are particularly interested in learning how Joshua may have travelled from his home to Broadmeadows Valley Park. They believe he may have been picked up by someone, but this is still under investigation.
How to help
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential tip online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
As the days pass, Joshua’s loved ones are clinging to hope.
“We’re all just praying that he’s safe,” the family said. “Someone knows something. Please – help bring our son home.”
