Auckland police search for a missing teenager who disappeared from a shopping center earlier this week. Whetu Bennett, age 17, vanished from LynnMall in New Lynn on Tuesday around noon. Her sister Janet Jones says Whetu was with her boyfriend when she disappeared. Police reports indicate the last sighting happened Wednesday at the same time and location. The missing girl wore a beige shirt, black dress and sunglasses.
Family members learned about the disappearance when Whetu's boyfriend called their mother early Thursday morning. He told the family he had not seen Whetu since their shopping trip. Jones contacted police Thursday after hearing the news from their mother. The couple apparently argued at the mall before the boyfriend took the bus home alone. Whetu stayed behind at the shopping center.
The teenager recently moved from Hamilton to Auckland about three weeks ago. She came to the city to live with her boyfriend and find employment. Whetu does not have her phone and uses her boyfriend's device to contact family. Jones says the extended silence worries their large family of ten children. None of the siblings have heard from Whetu during her absence.
Police continue investigating the case and ask residents for assistance. Officers want anyone with information about Whetu's location to call them immediately. The department uses reference number 250626/5181 for this case. People can reach police through their non-emergency line at 105. Authorities will review all tips as they work to locate the missing teenager.
Family members learned about the disappearance when Whetu's boyfriend called their mother early Thursday morning. He told the family he had not seen Whetu since their shopping trip. Jones contacted police Thursday after hearing the news from their mother. The couple apparently argued at the mall before the boyfriend took the bus home alone. Whetu stayed behind at the shopping center.
The teenager recently moved from Hamilton to Auckland about three weeks ago. She came to the city to live with her boyfriend and find employment. Whetu does not have her phone and uses her boyfriend's device to contact family. Jones says the extended silence worries their large family of ten children. None of the siblings have heard from Whetu during her absence.
Police continue investigating the case and ask residents for assistance. Officers want anyone with information about Whetu's location to call them immediately. The department uses reference number 250626/5181 for this case. People can reach police through their non-emergency line at 105. Authorities will review all tips as they work to locate the missing teenager.
