Sunbury local Joshua Bishop has been missing for more than a week, and police are appealing for public assistance as concerns for his welfare continue to grow.
Mr Bishop, 23, was last seen by his housemate around 9:30pm on Tuesday 27 May at their Lalor Cr home. He was reported missing two days later by his mother after failing to make contact with family or friends – a move police say is out of character for the young man.
Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives, with support from the Missing Persons Squad, are leading the investigation. According to police, Mr Bishop’s phone and bank accounts have not been used since the night he was last seen, raising further alarm about his safety.
Mr Bishop is Caucasian and described as being of average build with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a black singlet and tracksuit pants.
“We were able to track his phone to a park in Broadmeadows,” said acting detective sergeant Matthew Wilson-Hawe from Hume CIU. “However, despite an extensive search involving the Dog Squad and drones on Wednesday 4 June, we were unable to locate any trace of Joshua.”
On the same day, Mr Bishop’s white Toyota Corolla was discovered abandoned in Ridley St, Albion. Police say associates of Mr Bishop believe the car had been stolen, though no theft was reported.
Detectives say that while the circumstances remain unclear, they are not ruling out the possibility that Mr Bishop’s disappearance may be suspicious. He has no history of going missing and is not known to police, but investigators are looking into whether he may have been involved in criminal activity, including drug trafficking.
“This disappearance is incredibly out of character,” said acting detective Sergeant Wilson-Hawe. “The more time that passes without contact, the more likely it becomes that something serious has happened.”
Police are urging anyone who has seen Mr Bishop or has information about his whereabouts to come forward.
“We’re asking Joshua to contact us directly if he sees this appeal, and we’re urging anyone with information – no matter how small – to speak with police,” said acting detective Sergeant Wilson-Hawe.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
