Police probe mysterious disappearance of Victorian man
Two days after Umit Bolat disappeared, his highly distinctive yellow Holden Commodore ute was found unlocked with the keys still in the ignition, parked outside a supermarket.
Investigators believe the disappearance of the 45-year-old, who had no fixed address, is suspicious after he was last seen late in the evening of August 12.
Police have made a public appeal for information on the mysterious disappearance of the Shepparton man.
Mr Bolat was a long-term resident in the Shepparton and Tatura area and was known to sleep in his ute.
About 10am on August 14, police found his yellow ute, with the registration YOC 741, parked in the Woolworths carpark on Benalla Road in Shepparton.
An extensive review of CCTV in the surrounding areas revealed that the ute was earlier spotted in nearby McIntosh Street on August 12, just after 5.40pm, hours after Mr Bolat vanished.
Mr Bolat is not known to have any associates outside the Shepparton area and he has not kept any regular banking or medical appointments, police said.
His sister reported him missing on August 21 after he missed several appointments.
Police believe the ute was dumped in the carpark about 5.20am on August 14 by an unknown man who investigators want to speak to.
The man is described as being about 175 centimetres tall with a slim build.
He was last seen walking towards Benalla Road.
Mr Bolat is about 165 centimetres tall with a solid build.
He is described as being of southern European appearance with short dark hair and an olive complexion.
Police have released a photo of Mr Bolat, along with an image of his distinctive yellow ute, in the hope someone can provide information about his movements or current whereabouts.
Anyone who sights Mr Bolat is urged to contact triple zero immediately.
Anyone with any information in relation to Mr Bolat or his vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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