Bairnsdale detectives have made a public appeal for information following the disappearance of Lakes Entrance man, Dale Pantic.
Mr Pantic’s family has also made a desperate plea for his safe return.
The 39-year-old was last seen at about 5pm on April 10 when he reportedly visited the brother of his partner, Malina Teohaere, in Bairnsdale.
Mr Pantic was then due to travel to Sale and onto Melbourne in his silver 2005 Ford sedan, but has had no contact with Ms Teohaere, or any other family members since.
A distressed Ms Teohaere, who has three young children with Mr Pantic, said she tried to phone him at about 8pm that evening but his phone was switched off.
Mr Pantic, who has previously worked as a painter, was unemployed when he vanished.
Detective Sergeant Margaret Schulz, of East Gippsland Criminal Investigation Unit, said Mr Pantic’s disappearance is out of character and she’s urged the public if they’ve seen the missing man or his vehicle with registration number 1NK 8BP to contact East Gippsland CIU or Crimestoppers.
“We’re obviously investigating his disappearance as we have concerns that this isn’t normal for Dale to go this length of time without having contact with family and friends.”
Mr Pantic, who lives with his family in the Lakes Entrance area, had mobile phones with him.
Det Sgt Schulz said investigations are ongoing and declined to comment on whether Mr Pantic had actually made the journey to Sale or onto Melbourne.
Detectives are also checking bank accounts to see if there has been any activity that may offer some clues to his disappearance.
Speaking to the media on Monday afternoon, Det Sgt Schulz urged Mr Pantic to make contact with police or Ms Teohaere if he is able to do so.
Ms Teohaere’s mother, Angeline Teohaere, also appealed for anyone who may
know where Mr Pantic is to contact them to let the family know he is okay.
Mrs Teohaere said she was one of the last people to see Mr Pantic after he dropped off a battery charger at her house on the day he disappeared.
Mr Pantic’s parents, who live in Melbourne, are also concerned about their son’s disappearance.
PICTURED: Missing man, Dale Pantic’s partner, Malina Teohaere (left), with the couple’s one year-old son and her mother, Angeline Teohaere, outside Bairnsdale police station on Monday afternoon.
