Police concerned for safety of missing Mosgiel woman

Gae Denise Pantel

More resources are being put into the search and rescue operation for a missing 67-year-old Mosgiel woman.

Police said they were becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of Gae Denise Pantel, who has been missing since Tuesday evening.

At the time, she had been staying with friends in Riccarton Road East, East Taieri. She also suffers from ill health and was believed to have been confused in recent days, police said.

Thirty searchers from Oamaru and Balclutha were searching for Mrs Pantel today, and residents in East Taieri - including those with outlying farm buildings - were being asked to check their properties for signs of her.

"As time goes by, clearly our concerns for Mrs Pantel's wellbeing are mounting and we are keen to hear from anyone who thinks they might have seen her in the past two days,'' Sergeant Kevin Davidson of Mosgiel police said.

Mrs Pantel's car, credit cards and phone had been left at the home she had been staying at. A search of the nearby area was undertaken last night.

Mrs Pantel is described as being short and of slight build.

While it was not known what clothing she might be wearing, it was likely to be similar to what she is wearing in the photograph. Mrs Pantel was not believed to have taken her glasses with her.

Anyone who believes they have seen Mrs Pantel are asked to contact police.