"We know that Theo used WhatsApp the night he disappeared. We understand the politics about confidentiality and respect that. However, this is a question of providing assistance to a person in grave danger," he said. "It is vital that investigators get access to Theo's WhatsApp account without delay. Every minute counts." Backpacker Theo Hayez is missing in Byron Bay. Credit:Facebook WhatsApp cannot recover the contents of encrypted conversations, but can provide authorities with information such as a user's name, photo, service start date, last seen date, IP address, email address, numbers blocking or blocked by the user or other basic subscriber information. A WhatsApp spokesman said: "WhatsApp cares deeply about the safety of our users and our hearts go out to Theo Hayez and his family. We understand the important work being carried out by law enforcement and are assisting them in accordance with applicable law and our terms of service."

A poster of missing backpacker Theo Hayez. Credit:Danielle Smith Police have accessed mobile phone tower records from Byron Bay on the night Theo disappeared and said his mobile's final ping was recorded at 1.42pm on June 1. This was more than 12 hours after the last confirmed sighting of the Belgian national at Cheeky Monkey's Restaurant & Bar in Byron Bay after 11pm on May 31. He visited a local bottle shop about 7.45pm. However, there was not a specific location attached to that final ping and the phone was pinged by various different towers during its final hours, so authorities have been searching a wide area, including the lighthouse. Speaking at Tweed Heads police station on Monday, Mr Hayez thanked the Byron Bay community and all those who had helped in the search for his son.

Loading "I promised Theo's little brother that I would bring his brother home. Please, help me keep my promise to him. People have the power that love rules," he said. Mr Hayez also thanked people for their financial support for his family. "Thank you to everyone who gave to the crowdfunding set-up by our friends, which has allowed me to come to Australia. It is supporting us in our search for my son," he said. "As soon as we have realised the success of the crowdfunding, Theo's mother and I agreed that any funds that remains [sic] when Theo is found will be split between one Belgian and one Australian charity dedicated to finding missing people.

"Guys, if you have any information and if you do not want to deal with the cops, or if you are afraid to come forward, please make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000." Also on Monday, police released footage of the missing backpacker buying alcohol at a bottle shop on Jonson Street in Byron Bay on the night he disappeared. Superintendent Roptell said the search for Theo had been "tireless" and involved uniformed officers and specialist police search teams, SES, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Byron Bay community. Belgian Police had also provided information to assist NSW Police. "On Saturday, myself, Detective Inspector Grant Erickson, the father Laurent and another close family member drove around the Byron Bay area for a number of hours," Superintendent Roptell said.

"We were showing Laurent exactly where we have been searching and where we intend to search. "Also, with the speculation that has been occurring through social media and the media, we wanted to put Laurent’s mind to rest that he knows that we are out there searching around the clock because we do not want to leave any stone unturned." Theo's passport and personal belongings were found in his "untouched" room at a Byron Bay hostel. A family member received messages from Theo's Facebook account during the early hours of June 1 and they discussed bands coming to Australia. Superintendent Roptell said it was "heartbreaking" that investigators did not have any fresh leads to share with Theo's family.