The disappearance of a New South Wales man who lived a “somewhat reclusive lifestyle” is out of character, police say as they launch a fresh appeal for information this morning.
Allan Bentley, aged 63, was last seen leaving his home on Pindimar Road, in the state’s Hunter region more than a year ago on the morning of April 27, 2021.
A close friend reported him missing two days later after he failed to return home and attended pre-arranged appointments.
An extensive search was launched but police failed to locate Allan.
It’s believed he was driving a white colored Holden combo van with NSW registration plates – UQG 146 – with the word ‘catering’ written on the side at the time of his disappearance.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Gerard Lawson, said his mysterious disappearance has left his family and friends “longing for answers.”
Police hope a fresh appeal for information will help generate new information.
“Mr Bentley has no bank accounts or other assets investigators can use aside from his vehicle – which has never been located nor has its registration been renewed,” he said.
“We’ve established that he rarely left the Tea Gardens area where he resided and worked locally for cash-in-hand payments to make ends meet.
“He had very little money, had no known enemies and was well liked, (while) his unit was left in a state which implies to investigators that he had planned on returning home.
“We hope this appeal spurs the flow of new information into where he may be.”
Allan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of medium build, with a beard and short brown and gray hair.
The appeal for information comes during Missing Person’s Week 2022, an annual national campaign that runs between July 31 and August 6.