By Tate Papworth
Police believe wanted fugitive Jonathan Dick could be hiding in plain sight.
A warrant for Dick’s arrest was issued following the murder of his brother, David Dick at a Doncaster shopping centre in February 2017.
He is also wanted in relation to a serious assault committed in Keilor last year.
The Keilor assault is the only confirmed sighting of Dick that police had in the two years. Detective Inspector Tim Day said Dick may be using parks and reserves to move about undetected.
“Investigators believe that Jonathan is avoiding detection by using parks and reserves as access routes, and he may possibly have access to a bicycle as a mode of transport,” he said.
“Jonathan might also be using abandoned houses and buildings for shelter.
“His movements over the past two years are largely a mystery so again we are calling on people to be aware and on the lookout, especially in those parkland-type areas.”
Detective Inspector Day said investigators believe Dick may even be working.
“The Keilor footage shows that he is clean shaven, has not lost a significant amount of weight and is wearing clean clothes, so we strongly believe he hasn’t been living on the street and is earning money,” he said.
“We want to know where he is staying, where he buys his food, how he’s earning money, how he’s getting around.
“We know that Jonathan is not a man who stands out and he is probably taking care to ensure he doesn’t.
“However, he will have to come into contact with members of the public at various times and we are asking the community to be our eyes and ears.”
A number of public appeals have been issued for information on Dick’s whereabouts over the past two years, including the announcement of a $100,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Police have received more than 300 calls from members of the public reporting possible sightings of Dick and Detective Inspector Day said public assistance is crucial.
“We know that the public want to help us on this one and I strongly believe that public assistance will be what proves crucial in locating Jonathan,” he said.
“If you do see him then call triple-0 immediately. We’d ask that where safe to do so, people should not approach him but attempt to keep him in their line of sight.
“There is nothing at this stage to indicate that Jonathan is a risk to the wider community and previous incidents have involved people known to him.”
Dick is described as caucasian in appearance, about 176cm tall with a solid build and mousy brown hair.
He also has distinctive tattoos on his lower body.
He has a tattoo of Wolverine v Sabre-tooth on his right thigh, extending to his knee, and another of The Incredible Hulk is believed to be on his left calf.
Police are appealing for Dick to hand himself in and urge anyone who sights him not to approach him but to call triple-0 (000) immediately.
Anyone with any other information is urged to contact police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
