2015 Ford Ranger - Triffett Fencing Solutions (Rego G42-7NP)
A forest green 2015 Ford Ranger utility purchased new by Nial Triffett as both work vehicle and mobile advertisement for his fencing business. Professionally sign-written with company details, the vehicle represents his formerly thriving enterprise. Last seen departing Mount Nelson on 28 July 2018, the vehicle disappeared alongside its owner.
Vehicle Identification
Registration: G42-7NP (Tasmania)
VIN: 6FPAAAJGXFC123847
Make: Ford
Model: Ranger XLT 4WD Utility
Year of Manufacture: 2015
Colour: Forest Green (manufacturer code: "Deep Forest")
Body Type: Dual Cab Utility
Engine: 3.2L 5-cylinder turbo diesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Registration Details
Registered Owner: Nial Phillip Triffett
Registration Address: 47 Nelson Road, Mount Nelson, TAS 7007
Purchase Date: 15 March 2015 (purchased new from Hobart City Ford)
Registration Status: Current (expires 14 March 2019)
Finance: Outstanding finance with ANZ ($18,450 remaining as of July 2018)
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage through RACT Insurance
Annual Kilometres: Approximately 28,000km (business use)
Business Signage
Primary Signage: "Triffett Fencing Solutions" displayed on both driver and passenger side panels in white vinyl lettering (approximately 600mm x 200mm)
Contact Details: Mobile phone number displayed beneath business name
Installation Date: March 2015 (professionally applied by SignPro Hobart)
Condition: Well-maintained, no significant fading or damage to signage
Distinguishing Features
Exterior Characteristics:
- Factory-fitted chrome sports bar
- Weathershields on all windows
- Tow bar with 50mm ball coupling
- Minor paint chips on bonnet (consistent with gravel road use)
- Small dent in rear left tray panel (approximately 40mm diameter)
- Aftermarket LED light bar mounted on sports bar (not currently functional)
Interior Features:
- Grey cloth interior with some staining and wear
- Coffee stains visible on dashboard near cup holder
- Accumulated dirt and sawdust in floor wells (characteristic of trade vehicle)
- Tool receipts and business paperwork in glove box
- Child's car seat anchor points (seat not installed)
- Bluetooth audio system (factory fitted)
Operational History
Service Record:
- Regular servicing conducted at Hobart City Ford
- Last service: 15 June 2018 at 84,240km
- Next service due: December 2018 or 90,000km
- No major mechanical issues recorded
- Passed roadworthy inspection March 2018
Known Defects (as of July 2018):
- Minor oil leak (mechanic advised "monitor only, not urgent")
- Slight hesitation in acceleration (intermittent issue)
- Passenger side window occasionally sticks
Business Use
Primary Purpose: Mobile advertisement and transportation for Triffett Fencing Solutions
Typical Cargo: Fencing tools, materials samples, measuring equipment, safety gear
Service Area: Greater Hobart region, occasionally rural Tasmania
Average Weekly Travel: 400-600km (predominantly local job sites)
Vehicle Significance
The Ford Ranger represented a significant financial investment during Triffett's business peak in 2015. Purchased new with business finance, the vehicle served dual purposes as both practical work transport and mobile marketing. The professional signage made it readily identifiable throughout Hobart's suburbs, contributing to brand recognition for Triffett Fencing Solutions.
By July 2018, the vehicle represented one of Nial's few remaining visible assets as his business struggled with financial difficulties. The outstanding finance payments had become increasingly difficult to maintain, though Nial had managed to keep the vehicle through careful priority juggling.
Disappearance Context
Last Confirmed Sighting: 28 July 2018, approximately 09:15, departing 47 Nelson Road, Mount Nelson
Direction of Travel: North towards Collinsvale (based on GPS route found on Nial's phone)
Destination: Meeting location in Collinsvale (exact address: [to be confirmed from investigation])
Occupants: Driver only (Nial Phillip Triffett)
Cargo: Unknown, though likely minimal given stated purpose was client meeting
Investigation Status:
- BOLO alert issued 29 July 2018 by Tasmania Police (Hobart Station)
- Registration flagged in ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system
- No confirmed sightings since departure from Mount Nelson
- Vehicle not located despite extensive searches of Collinsvale area and surrounding regions
- No activation of toll roads, service stations, or other monitored locations
Investigative Significance
The vehicle's disappearance alongside Nial Triffett suggests either:
- Voluntary departure with intention not to return
- Incident preventing return (accident, mechanical failure, criminal intervention)
- Deliberate concealment or disposal
The distinctive business signage makes prolonged concealment difficult within populated areas. The absence of any confirmed sightings despite readily identifiable features suggests either:
- Rapid removal to private property not subject to public observation
- Transport to location outside normal patrol areas
- Deliberate alteration of appearance (removal/covering of signage)
- Immediate disposal or destruction
The vehicle's value (approximately $25,000-28,000 in July 2018 market) and Nial's known financial difficulties initially suggested possible voluntary sale or surrender, but investigation revealed no evidence of such transactions. Finance company confirmed no contact from Nial regarding vehicle surrender or payment difficulties in immediate period before disappearance.
Related Case Files:
- Missing Persons Report MP-2018-0729-001
- Case File 019-054: Fences and Missing Links
- BOLO Alert 2018-07-29-TRI
Evidence Chain:
- Vehicle registration documents seized from 47 Nelson Road
- Service records obtained from Hobart City Ford
- Photographs of vehicle taken by Jenny Triffett (June 2018)
- GPS route data extracted from Nial's mobile phone
- Finance records subpoenaed from ANZ
