Police are appealing to anyone travelling to the Inverloch area over the weekend to keep an eye out for missing 81-year-old woman, Patricia Backhurst.
Police hold serious concerns for Patricia, who has dementia and was last seen in the vicinity of Screw Creek, east of Inverloch, about 5.23pm last Wednesday, March 17.
Local police are expecting a significant amount of Victorians will return to their holiday houses over the weekend and are urging them to check their homes, yards and sheds.
Police are also keen for holiday makers to keep an eye out on bush walking tracks and beach access tracks.
“Local uniform members, Police Air Wing, Mounted Branch and Search and Rescue have this week been assisted by SES, Parks Victoria, CFA and Bush Search and Rescue who have thoroughly searched the Inverloch area since Patricia went missing,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
Police have focused their search on the township of Inverloch, including Screw Creek, the foreshore and surrounding rural properties, and will continue to scour the area in the hope of locating Patricia.
“Patricia, who is physically fit for her age, is familiar with the area and it is not unusual for her to do extended local bush walks,” police said.
Patricia is described as being about 168cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length white hair.
She was possibly wearing blue jeans and runners.
Investigators are also re-appealing to the local community to check their CCTV and dashcam footage for any sign of Patricia.
Anyone who sees Patricia is urged to contact Triple Zero (000).
Anyone with information about Patricia’s whereabouts is urged to contact Wonthaggi Police Station on 03 5671 4100 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
