Police appeal for information on person missing in Christchurch.
Police have found a cellphone belonging to missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao.
On Friday, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said police were “growingly concerned” for Bao, who had been reported missing on Wednesday.
”Ms Bao’s disappearance is unexplained, and a missing person investigation remains ongoing.
”She was last seen conducting her business as a real estate agent on Vickerys Road in the Wigram Area about 10.30am.
”Since then, she failed to pick up her daughter from after-school care and her car, a silver Nissan Dualis, has been located nearby the area she was last seen on Iroquois Place.
She said police had been fortunate with the information coming from members of the public.
“It’s through that good investigative work and help from the public we’ve been able to find her phone,” Reeves said.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves discusses the disappearance of Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo / George Heard
Reeves said police would “look into” Bao and her history.
Reeves said police were confident the cellphone belonged to Bao.
Chinese-speaking police officers were part of the investigation, she said.
The last person who saw Bao was a homeowner, whom Bao visited.
”We are now interested to hear from any members of the public who might have been travelling on the motorway on Wednesday and noticed anything out of the ordinary.
”Anyone with any piece of information no matter how small is encouraged to contact Police immediately.
”Police have also been conducting door-to-door inquires in the area she was last seen.
”If you live in this area and have not spoken with police but have access to CCTV footage of the street area, police would like to hear from you.
”I would like to reiterate that police and Ms Bao’s family are deeply concerned for her safety. This is very out of character and her loved ones are desperate to hear from her and know she is safe.”
Bao’s husband, Paul Gooch, had also prepared a statement which was provided to media.
”My family and I are deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of my beloved wife, Yanfei Bao.
”Our 9-year-old daughter and I are desperate for any information that could help police locate her.”
Specialist search staff searching the old Wigram Airforce Base for missing real estate agent Yanfei Bao. Photo / George Heard
Bao was a “dedicated real estate consultant” who was “engaging with the local community through door knocking when she went missing and we have not heard from her since”.
”We are incredibly worried and ask for any assistance from anyone that knows something.
”We pray for Yanfei’s safe return and would like to thank everyone for their vigilance and support at this time.”
On Friday morning some of her colleagues were out delivering leaflets in people’s letterboxes in the Wigram area. The leaflet says “help us find Yanfei Bao!”.
Police say Bao's disappearance is "highly unusual". Photo / George Heard
Bao’s profile on the Harcourts site said she has “extensive experience” in sales, and was previously a top-selling salesperson in a major electronics brand.
“She reached the status of Apple Master, which is a rare achievement. She is highly educated and capable with a Master’s degree in English linguistics and a post-graduate diploma in business management and is ready to utilise the knowledge she gained from her academic achievements to enhance the result she delivers for clients and customers.”
Yanfei Bao was last seen yesterday in the Wigram area about midday, wearing the outfit pictured and reading glasses. Photo / Canterbury Police
Family was her “priority”, and she loved spending time with her partner and young daughter.
“In her spare time, she loves to read, and her other interests include travel and learning something new every day. If you are looking for a highly educated, passionate, and hard-working salesperson to assist you in buying or selling your most important asset, give Yanfei a call, as she would love to hear from you,” the Harcourts site states.
Anyone who had seen her, or had any information about where she could be, is urged to call 111 immediately and quote event number P055385539.
Sam Sherwood is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers crime. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2022, and has worked as a journalist for 10 years. Kurt Bayer is a South Island correspondent based in Christchurch. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2011.
