Concerns grow for missing Hutt Valley man

More than a week ago, Hutt Valley man Karl Baars told his father he was going to a local dairy.

He hasn't been seen since and police and his family hold fears for his safety.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell, officer in charge of Lower Hutt CIB, said 22-year-old Mr Baars was last seen by his family on February 1, when he left his father's Manor Park home to go to the dairy.

Inquiries suggested Mr Baars had gang affiliations in the Wairarapa and the Hutt Valley, Mr Borrell said.

"We know Mr Baars left in a blue Subaru Legacy station wagon, registration number DQF 348.

"We are keen for any sightings of this vehicle, which may have been in Silverstream, wider Hutt Valley and Wairarapa areas, between the early evening of Tuesday, February 1, and Thursday, February 3."

Mr Borrell said the vehicle had some distinctive damage to the left rear, which someone may have noticed.

"We urge anyone who may have seen this vehicle to phone police immediately."

Mr Baars was last seen wearing a white beanie, a light blue T-shirt with a Waikato Draught beer emblem on the front of it, paint-stained blue shorts, and Body Glove sandals.

"There was nothing to suggest when he left his dad's house that he wouldn't be returning, and his disappearance is out of character," Mr Borrell said.

Anyone with any information as to Mr Baars' whereabouts should contact Lower Hutt police or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- NZPA