Rescuers looking for missing man Steven Groat widen the search area
Published Date: 31 Dec 2015
Summary
ON Wednesday police aided by volunteers from the State Emergency Service and the Rural Fire Service, met at the command post about one kilometre east of Walkers Lane at The Pinnacle area.
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By Janice Harris
Police on trail bikes, joined by the police dog squad and police rescue squad personnel were all called into the search area.
Search co-ordinator from NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Unit Senior Constable Owen Peipman said although the majority of missing people who are the subject of a concentrated search are found within a two to three kilometre area of the initial search area, the area being searched has been expanded.
COMMAND POST : Volunteers Darrell Wicks from North West Orange brigade of the Rural Fire Service and SES volunteer Bethany Moore check their search area map watched by other volunteers after returning from the first wave of Wednesday’s search. Photo: JUDE KEOGH
“We are now knocking on doors of farmhouses and properties in the area as well,” he said.
Inspector Dave Harvey of Orange police who is assisting in the co-ordination of the search from command headquarters in the forest, confirmed the missing man’s dog had been found in Walkers Lane and was now being cared for by family members.
“We have also called in the police helicopter PolAir to do a sweep of the area as part of the search,” he said.
Senior Constable Peipman said four-wheel drive vehicles were also being utilised in areas of the Canobolas State Forest which are accessible by vehicle.
Mr Groat was last seen when he left the house of a family member in Orange on December 19.
A search for Mr Groat was mounted on Christmas Eve after his family had reported his disappearance to Orange police saying his behaviour was out of character and he may be without his medication.
The search for Mr Groat began in the forest on Christmas Day and on Wednesday the search team involved around 50 people, including family members.
Inspector Harvey said police are appealing to anyone who may have information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 0001800 333 000 FREE or go online to https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
