OPP appeals to public to keep searching for missing teen Delaine Copenace

Up North5:35Search for missing Kenora teen ramps up

Searchers in Kenora continue to look for a missing teenager. Delaine Copenace, 16, has been missing for several days.

As the search for missing 16-year-old Delaine Copenace of Kenora continues, Ontario Provincial Police are praising the efforts of the public.

But police are asking people to keep checking personal property, yards, outbuildings and outdoor areas, said OPP Cst. Ronni Grosenick.

"We want to express our appreciation of the outpouring of support for the family from our community. Kenora and the surrounding areas, the First Nations communities have really banded together to assist in trying to find Delaine's whereabouts, and we'd like to see people continue with those efforts," she said.

Police have followed up on many leads, and with the owners' consent have searched a number of properties and private residences, she said.

"Give us a call. Any information, regardless of how small, will be investigated, everything will be followed up on," said Grosenick. 

However, police are requesting that people share the information with officers first — before posting it on any social media platform.

"By doing so, this will allow investigators an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the content of each and every tip that is received," stated a written release, issued Friday by Kenora OPP.

Copenace was reported missing on Feb. 28, after last being seen in Kenora's downtown area during the evening of Feb. 27.

Efforts to find Copenace have expanded to include police, media and community partners across the country. The Canadian Pacific Police Service was asked to check train tracks, and sheds, and outbuildings along the rail route.

Tips can be called in to the Kenora OPP at (807) 548-5534 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-310-1122.  

Copenace is described as having a larger build, with brown eyes and long black hair. She was last seen wearing black Etnie skater-type shoes, a black zippered sweater, a "bullet for my valentine" T-shirt and black jeans with zippered pockets.