By FairfaxMedia
Police believe an 88-year-old man missing since October 8 hitched a ride in Ballan, about 80 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, before disappearing.
As the search for Albert Smith becomes even more desperate, his distraught family continue to plead for information.
Moorabool Inspector Brendon McCrory said police had exhausted all its search resources, and turned to the public to help search for the elderly man.
“We just need another sighting from which we might act,” he said.
Inspector McCrory said it was believed Mr Smith was with someone, and urged that person to come forward.
He asked residents to double-check their properties, including sheds and outbuildings.
Mr Smith was last seen at the Ballan District Health and Care about 5.10am on October 8.
It’s believed he left the facility before 6.30am and was picked up in Old Melbourne Road a short time afterwards.
Daughter Wendy said it was “upsetting” to think her father had been able to walk out of the healthcare centre.
She described her father as a stubborn man who desperately wanted to return home.
However, it was out of character for him to disappear in such a way, another daughter Helen said.
“I think we’re more surprised that he was able to get out of the hostel … that’s upsetting,” she said.
“We’re getting more upset and more worried the longer this drags on. We’re worried he’s outside somewhere in pain.”
Mr Smith requires pain and heart medication. Anyone with information should phone Ballan police station on 5368 1303.
– The Courier
