Police searching for a missing woman that has not been seen since July 2024 have launched a murder investigation.
Charlene Hobbs (36) from Riverside in Cardiff was last seen at a property in Adamsdown and, despite appeals, investigations and over 250 individuals being spoken to, police have not been able to confirm if she is still alive.
The Crimestoppers charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Police detectives and specialist search teams are continuing with extensive efforts to find Charlene and to determine the circumstances around her disappearance.
The family of Charlene is urging people to come forward with information about what has happened.
No proof she is alive
Photo: SWP.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell, from South Wales Police (SWP), said: “We have always been determined to find Charlene alive and return her to her family, but despite a huge number of enquiries we have no proof that Charlene is alive. We are now investigating her disappearance as murder.
“While I have always maintained an open mind, the lack of evidence that Charlene is alive means that we are now treating her disappearance as a murder investigation.
“We have spoken to more than 250 people, either known to Charlene or from areas where she is known to frequent, and no-one can tell us where Charlene is or that she is alive, which of course we, her family and friends desperately want to hear.
“Several of those we have spoken to believe that she has died but no-one has been able to provide any specific details. We are hoping that the Crimestoppers reward will help focus people’s minds.
“Charlene’s family continue to be updated, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Detectives and specialist search teams are continuing with extensive efforts to find Charlene and determine the circumstances around why she is missing.
‘Someone holds key information’
DCI Powell added: “I still firmly believe that answers lie in the community, and that someone out there holds key information that will help us find Charlene.
“I urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, to please contact South Wales Police or Crimestoppers.”
Charlene, who has a distinctive dragon tattoo on her back, was seen on CCTV in Morrisons Local, Adamsdown, on July 23, 2024, the day before the photograph was taken at a property in Broadway, Adamsdown, at 6.07am on July 24, 2024. Her hair was in a bun, and she was wearing a dark strapless top.
Family statement
Charlene’s family has issued the following statement: “We have been updated by DCI Powell that this is now a murder investigation, and that a Crimestoppers appeal has been made with a £20k reward. We still hope that Charlene can be found safe and well.
“We are grateful for the support of Crimestoppers and the reward to help us find her, and hope that this will help people to come forward with information about what has happened to Charlene.”
A 45-year-old man arrested in connection with the investigation remains on police bail.
A 43-year-old man and 38-year-old woman have been released without charge.
Information on the Crimestoppers reward can be found here.
Information and video footage, such as from mobile phones, CCTV cameras, doorbells or dash cameras, can be submitted to SWP here or via Live Chat and Provide Information.
.
- Defence solicitor bought cocaine from client
- Police warning about ‘intimidating behaviour’ in parks
- Information requested following suspected ‘upskirting’ incident
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
