Tracking dogs new twist in search for Albie

TRACKING dogs will be brought from interstate to search the site near where Albert Smith was last seen in a bid to find the missing 88-yearold.

‘Albie’ walked out of the Ballan aged care facility on October 9 and was last seen at Morrisons Cemetery, near his Mt Doran home, where he was once an unofficial caretaker.

Police Air Wing, SES, Ballan police and Moorabool CIU searches around the cemetery and Bungal Forest area have found no trace of Mr Smith.

Moorabool CIU Detective Senior Constable John Hageman said police were planning to deploy a search dog next week in the hope it may be able to detect a scent within a 2km radius of the cemetery.

“Assuming that he is deceased in the bush somewhere, the dog may be able to pick up a scent and take us to that location,” he said.

“We wouldn’t think he’d be able to walk any more than 2km, so we’re hoping within that radius the dog may pick up a scent.”

Police believe Mr Smith may have taken shelter from rain in one of the many disused mine shafts in the area on the night he was last seen.

Police have been tracking his Medicare card and bank account, but neither have been used.

Mr Smith had been in care since June, receiving treatment for leg ulcers, and was working towards a return home. He also relies heavily on heart medication and morphine patches for back pain.

Geelong nurse Wendy Smith, Albie’s daughter, hoped the search dog would uncover some information about her Dad’s whereabouts.

“We’re at a bit of a loss at this stage, and so are (police).,” she said. “They’ve been working on it very hard trying to find out what happened.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Bacchus Marsh police on 5366 4500.