Hunt for 'quite distinctive' registered sex offender Joel Pregnell
Police are urgently appealing for information about the whereabouts of registered sex offender Joel Paul Pregnell.
The 37-year-old was last seen in the Hampton area on January 30. Police approached him while he was in a vehicle but he sped off.
Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said he was convicted in 2007 of serious sex offences including the rape of a 16-year-old.
"Once he was released from prison he was put on the sex offender register for a period of 15 years," he said.
"He was interviewed in terms of his compliance under that act on January 11 this year and on that day he gave them false information about where he was living. Since that period we have been in touch with his relatives and his current whereabouts are unknown."
Mr Paterson said the man was considered dangerous and had an extensive criminal history which included violence, dishonesty and driving offences.
The vehicle he fled from police in was a black Suzuki Swift stolen from St Kilda with the registration 1LY 7UI. It has damage to the front and side of the vehicle.
Police have described Mr Pregnell as 180 centimetres tall and unshaven, with brown eyes, a thin build and short brown hair. He has a tattoo of a cross on his right cheek.
"He's quite a distinctive chap, he has a tattoo of a cross on his right cheek, so he will be very identifiable to members of the public."
Anyone who spots Mr Pregnell is urged to contact triple zero immediately.
Anyone with other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au