I rechecked today’s reports. The only verified Central Coast report I can confirm from 5 September 2026 is the police appeal for missing 29-year-old Drew Ritchie. It is not a crime allegation, so I’ll keep the description factual and avoid calling it a crime story.

Police on the New South Wales Central Coast are appealing to the public for information to help locate 29-year-old Drew Ritchie, who was reported missing on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

According to police, Drew Ritchie was last seen in Bateau Bay at approximately 8:50am on Saturday. Officers attached to the Tuggerah Lakes Police District were notified after she could not be located or contacted and subsequently began inquiries to establish her whereabouts.

Police believe Drew may have travelled towards the Bridie Beach and Fraser Park area of Budgewoi later that day. Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have seen her, spoken with her or noticed anything unusual in the relevant areas to come forward with information.

Missing-person investigations can involve a number of police resources, including inquiries with family and friends, checks of locations where a person may have travelled, examination of available information and searches of relevant areas. Police assess each missing-person report according to the circumstances and any concerns regarding the person's welfare.

Authorities have expressed concerns for Drew's welfare and are asking members of the community to remain alert. Information from members of the public can be particularly useful when investigators are attempting to establish a missing person's movements and identify locations that may require further attention.

The Central Coast covers a large geographical area, including coastal communities, residential areas, beaches, parks and waterways. This means police may need to consider a wide range of possible locations when conducting inquiries.

Members of the public are reminded that they should not attempt to confront or investigate people themselves if they believe they have information connected with a missing-person investigation. Instead, information should be passed directly to police so officers can assess it appropriately.

Police appeals such as this are designed to quickly increase public awareness and encourage anyone with potentially useful information to contact authorities. Even information that may initially appear minor can assist investigators in establishing a person's movements or confirming whether they were seen at a particular location.

The appeal was issued on September 5, 2026, making it a current Central Coast police matter. At the time of the report, police inquiries into Drew's whereabouts were continuing.

Anyone who has information that could assist police is encouraged to contact the relevant NSW Police command or Crime Stoppers. Information provided to Crime Stoppers can be treated confidentially.

This report concerns a missing-person investigation and should not be interpreted as evidence that a crime has occurred. Police are seeking information primarily because of concerns for Drew's welfare and their need to establish her whereabouts.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further information may be released by NSW Police as inquiries continue.