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Toronto police have set up a dedicated phone line to collect tips from the public as they intensify their search for a teen missing for six days.
Members of the public can leave tips at (647) 355-4148.
Esther, 14, was last seen in the Earl Bales Park area in North York on Friday.
Recent information suggests she was wearing a long-sleeved turquoise sweater with words on the front and is still wearing grey pants, Duty Insp. Jon Rose told reporters Thursday.
“Unfortunately, tomorrow will mark one week since Esther has been missing,” Rose said. “Given Esther’s age and the length of time she is missing, we remain deeply concerned for her safety.”
Earlier this week, police upgraded their search to a Level 1 operation, which is the highest level. That means police can deploy such resources as its canine, mounted and marine units.
“We do know and we deeply appreciate how concerning this is to the community and to the family when a young person goes missing, especially for this length of time. We would very much like to find Esther and get her home safely to her family,” Rose said.
Police have also created a QR code that members of the public can use to upload video that might be useful to investigators.
Teen’s parents have appealed to public for help
While police have not provided details on what prompted the upgrade in this case, they say that out of nearly 3,100 missing person reports last year, only five were Level 1 searches.
Police have not provided further details on the circumstances surrounding Esther’s disappearance. They have not suggested that she was abducted. Officers have deployed drones and canine units as they search for her.
Esther’s parents have asked the public for help in finding her and had a message her for at a news conference on Tuesday.
“Esti, my love, if you are watching this, please come home. We love you so very much and we miss you terribly,” said her mother, Shira.
“Your family here, across the country and around the world are searching and praying for you every minute.”
Rose said the dedicated phone line is meant to “enhance and streamline” information collection as police continue the search.
Police have also released photos of Esther and have set up a command post at Earl Bales Park and as they continue their investigation.
Her photo was also put on screen at city council Thursday by Coun. Mike Colle, who encouraged council members to share it in the hopes of locating her.
Police are urging the public to check their security camera footage and to come forward with any information.
Recent information suggests Esther was wearing a long-sleeved turquoise sweater with words on the front and grey pants. (Submitted by Toronto Police Service)Anyone with information can call a dedicated police phone line at (647) 355-4148. (Submitted by Toronto Police Service)
