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Oceanside RCMP dealt with 86 missing persons files last year

Various avenues always checked before public notice goes out
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(File photo)

Oceanside RCMP dealt with a total of 86 missing persons files in 2019, though most cases are not made public.

Most recently, a Nanoose Bay man became lost while trail riding. The 62-year-old man was quickly found by Arrowsmith Search and Rescue and he is one of many locals that are reported missing each year in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.

“These include files such as people who wander off, are overdue, etc. The disappearance of Carmel Gilmour is still an active investigation from November of 2017,” said Oceanside RCMP Cpl. Jesse Foreman.

Gilmour has been missing since mid-November of 2017. Despite numerous tips, the RCMP have not been able to locate the missing mother.

READ MORE: Search and rescue crews help locate 62-year-old Nanoose Bay mountain biker

READ MORE: RCMP ‘desperate’ for clues in case of missing Parksville mom

Foreman said the number of missing people may be surprising to some because the RCMP check various avenues before putting out an ask to the public.

“A press release is done when other investigational avenues do not work. For example, checking with hospitals, friends, associates, bank records, work people, etc. I have to be confident that they are truly ‘missing’ in order to put their picture out with a public call to action,” he said. “People are always encouraged to report missing persons promptly and to have a recent digital photo of all their loved ones.”

cloe.logan@pqbnews.com

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