The hard work of closing unsolved cases is being given a renewed focus this week, with the commencement of Missing Persons Week, with residents living in the regions urged to come forward with any information they possess about cold cases.

The week began on Sunday, August 2 and will continue through until Saturday, August 8 with anyone who has information urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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According to the statistics, over 38,000 missing persons reports are filed with Australian police every year, and at present 2,600 people have been missing for more than three months.

Police are hoping to relieve the burden on individual's families, such as in the case of Dubbo's Harry Youl who was last seen leaving his place of work on a lunch break on August 2, 1990.

Mr Youl, born in 1937, would be age 83 nowadays.

Other cases that have drawn closer scrutiny during Missing Persons Weeks include that of Mr James Rice, who was reported missing after being dropped off at the front gate of his Condobolin property by a neighbour in July, 1999.

Central North Police District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Quigg says that any information provided by the community could be vital to discovering what happened.

"Investigators attached to Central North Police District are investigating the disappearance of Mr Rice," Det Insp Quigg said.

"These enquiries aim to find out what happened to Mr Rice and are seeking closure for the family."

"Any information, no matter how insignificant will be treated in the strictest of confidence. I urge members of the public to pick up the phone and call Crime Stoppers if you know something."

For more information about what you can do to help, please visit https://missingpersons.gov.au/