$1 million reward to support police investigation into suspicious disappearance of Cleo Smith

  • Police taskforce RODIA formed to investigate disappearance of Cleo Smith
  • Government offers reward to support police investigation 
  • The Government of Western Australia is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information which leads to the location of four-year-old Cleo Grace Smith.

    On Friday October 15, Cleo and her family travelled to the Blowholes Campground, on the State’s Gascoyne coast, where they camped overnight.

    The following morning, Cleo was absent from the family’s tent along with her sleeping bag.

    Despite an extensive land and sea search, Cleo’s whereabouts remain unknown.

    The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have caused police to suspect it is suspicious, including that she may have been abducted from the campsite.

    The Government of Western Australia will pay a reward of up to $1 million for information resulting in finding Cleo, or leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in her suspicious disappearance.

    Premier Mark McGowan and Police Minister Paul Papalia joined police to announce the reward this afternoon and reassure police they have the full resources of Government at their disposal.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “All Western Australians’ thoughts are with Cleo’s family during what is an unimaginably difficult time.

    “We’re all praying for a positive outcome.

    “We want to ensure police have everything they need to solve this case and that’s why my Government has no hesitation in supporting police with this reward offer.”

    As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:

    “I know this is every Western Australian parent’s worst nightmare.

    “I’ve been advised every available police resource is being directed into this investigation and I’ve reassured the Acting Commissioner the Government will support police with any request they make to help solve this crime.

    “I’d hope most people would willingly come forward if they had information that could assist police, but if this reward motivates someone to help police bring Cleo home, then the Government is more than happy to offer it.

    “I urge anyone who knows what happened to little Cleo to come forward with the information police need to find her.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.