**Police Launch Door-to-Door Enquiries in Effort to Locate Missing Caerphilly Teenager**
Police in south Wales have stepped up their efforts to trace the whereabouts of an 18-year-old believed to have been missing for several weeks. Auriel Halilaj, last seen in the village of Pontymister within the Risca area of Caerphilly, has not been in contact with family or friends since the morning of Saturday, 10 May.
According to statements issued by Gwent Police on Thursday evening, officers have been carrying out a broad range of investigative methods in an attempt to find Auriel. These include conducting extensive house-to-house visits across the area, as well as reviewing local CCTV footage for any signs of the missing teenager. Despite these efforts, there has been no confirmed sighting for over a month, prompting the force to launch a fresh public appeal.
Auriel is described as approximately 6ft tall with a stocky build, short dark brown hair, and a visible tattoo featuring the word “family” on his hand. The day he disappeared, he was believed to be wearing black bottoms, a grey t-shirt, and grey and white trainers. This description, together with a recent photograph, has been widely circulated by police and local media in hope of triggering new leads.
The police have pointed out that Auriel has established links to a number of locations both within Wales and further afield. In addition to the immediate Caerphilly area, it is thought he could have connections with Blackwood, Crosskeys, and also with larger cities such as Birmingham and Southampton. This multi-regional link is being carefully explored as part of the force’s investigation.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police stated, “Despite considerable efforts, there has yet to be a breakthrough in locating Auriel Halilaj. We are continuing with house-to-house enquiries and are urging anyone who may have seen him, or knows anything concerning his disappearance, to come forward.”
Members of the public who might have information, no matter how minor it may seem, are encouraged to get in touch with Gwent Police. The force has provided several avenues for contact, allowing people to phone 101 or to reach out via direct message on its social media channels. When making contact, individuals are asked to cite the log reference 2500149160 to ensure their information is directed properly.
In a heartfelt addendum, police are appealing directly to Auriel himself. Should he see any appeals or feel able to get in touch, officers assure him that his well-being is their primary concern, and urge him to make contact as soon as possible.
Communities in and around Caerphilly are being asked to remain vigilant and to share any knowledge or suspicions they may have regarding Auriel’s movements or current location with the police. Investigators continue to hope that with collective cooperation and ongoing local support, Auriel can be found safe and well.
Anyone wishing to keep abreast of developments in this case, or in local news more broadly, can subscribe to regular updates via the Caerphilly community news newsletter.
The search for Auriel serves as a reminder of the vital role the public often plays in resolving missing persons cases. Anyone who may be able to assist is urged to contact Gwent Police without delay.