Now entering its eighth week, the investigation into the disappearance of Mariam Makhniashvili ramped up Monday with dozens of police officers knocking on doors in the Bathurst and Eglinton area, hoping to turn up some new leads.
"There will be a large police presence in your neighbourhood," outlined Det. Sgt. Dan Nealon.
"Expect a knock at your door. We're also going to be asking to be invited inside your home to ensure that there is no evidence in relation to this case with respect to you," he added.
"Certainly you have the right not to allow police into your home," Nealon said.
The intensified effort included 60 officers canvassing Mariam’s neighbourhood Monday afternoon and the door knocking will continue for 12 hours a day for about two weeks. Police also distributed new, digitally-altered posters featuring Mariam in the clothes she was wearing when she disappeared.
On Friday, an OPP helicopter scanned Earl Bales, Sherwood and Sunnybrook Parks using a high-resolution camera, but turned up nothing -- the second time a police chopper was used in the search.
Last month authorities seized 20 computers from the Forest Hill and Barbara Frum Public Libraries.
Mariam had moved to Canada from the Republic of Georgia in June and was 17 when she disappeared Sept. 14 on her way to school at Forest Hill Collegiate. Three weeks later her knapsack was found.
She has since turned 18.
Below, digitally-altered image of Mariam, distributed by Toronto Police:
