SEVERAL calls to Crime Stoppers over the past week have given police fresh leads in the case of missing Parmelia mother-of-three Iveta Mitchell, providing new hope for her worried family.
Mrs Mitchell (38) has been missing for almost four months.
On Monday, 25 police, forensic officers, detectives and State Emergency Service volunteers began a new search of one square kilometre of bushland opposite Wells Park in Kwinana Beach.
The search continued into Tuesday but found nothing of significance.
Major Crime Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Foley said several calls to the Crime Stoppers hotline 1800 333 000 recently had given police new information and they had a number of sites pinpointed to run searches.
More calls were made on Monday night after police launched a fresh appeal for information as the search was under way.
Mrs Mitchell’s cousin Kristy Marsh told the Courier the family was “playing the waiting game” and pleaded with anyone with information to contact police.
“It could have been the smallest piece of information or you thought that someone looked a little bit like her,” she said.
“The smallest bit of information could lead to something bigger.”
Mrs Mitchell’s husband Chad and two of her children, Peter and Kyle, had visited her during the week and Ms Marsh said they were coping, but the media attention was difficult.
“We got a courtesy call from the police. They contacted me to let the family know what was going on on Monday. They don’t tell us about every call they get but at least they are doing something,” she said.
“(Chad’s) taking it in his stride. He just put up the sign saying ‘no appointment, no cameras’; they (media) were just a bit too much in your face and he is just concerned about privacy for the kids.”
Det Sen Sgt Foley said police especially wanted to speak to a person who phoned Crime Stoppers on Thursday last week and asked that the person contact them again.
He maintained the investigation was “still a missing person’s case” despite Mrs Mitchell having not been seen since she walked out of her Parmelia home about 1am on May 3 after an argument with Mr Mitchell over financial matters.
In May, police searched the family’s Meares Avenue home after Mr Mitchell reported that he found his wife’s wedding and engagement rings on the front doorstep.
In July, the home was again raided, and a car and personal items seized for examination.
Police have previously searched a quarry on Thomas Road where Mr Mitchell once worked.