Police ask public for their help in finding elderly man missing in Hamilton

Check your gardens, your sheds and any outbuildings is the call from Hamilton Police to the public as the search for a missing dementia sufferer heads into its third day.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson of the Hamilton CIB said 70-year-old Kawhia man, Trevor SMITH, was last seen on the ramp leading to the public entrance of Waikato Hospital about 5pm on Sunday.

"A particular concern for Police and Mr SMITH'S family is that he suffers from mild dementia and diabetes which could add to any sense of disorientation he is likely to be experiencing.

"At this time about 40 Police and Land Search and Rescue volunteers are involved in physical searches today while a large team of detectives are following up on sighting reports we have been provided."

Mr Patterson said in addition to the searches conducted of Waikato Hospital and the surrounding area the Police have been assisted by a large group of Mr SMITH'S friends and family who helped search the area around Hamilton's Lake Rotoroa.

"While these searches are going on, the public can play an important part in helping to locate Mr SMITH. We would really appreciate it if property owners and key holders can check their properties, gardens, sheds and outbuildings and if they see something- do something by phoning 111.

"Today, Police set up a kiosk at Waikato Hospital where Mr SMITH'S picture is on display along with a mannequin dressed in a distinctive green Vodafone Warriors NRL rugby league jersey, the same type he was wearing when he was last seen. The purpose of this is refreshing the memory of staff or frequent visitors to the hospital who may recall seeing Mr SMITH and where he was going."

Mr Patterson said Police ask that anyone who sees someone wearing one of these jerseys to check if that person may be Mr SMITH and if you think it is, ring 111."

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