Police and State Emergency Servies used Bedfordale Hall last week as a base during the search for Mr Collett.
Camera IconPolice and State Emergency Servies used Bedfordale Hall last week as a base during the search for Mr Collett. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson d483267

Family of missing Canning Vale man Ian Collett still hopeful despite search being called off

Ben SmithComment News

LATEST: Family issues statement after body found

THE family of missing Canning Vale man Ian Collett has refused to give up hope, despite police calling off their search.

Police called off the search for Mr Collett last week, after almost a week of searching since he left his home on Templetonia Retreat just after midday on Saturday May 19 and never returned.

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He was spotted at a convenience store on Abernethy Road in Byford about 3.50pm on the same day and at the Albany Highway and South Western Highway intersection in Armadale about 5.35pm later that day.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Collett was about midnight on May 19 on Albany Highway between Coglan Road and Jarrahdale Road in Mt Cooke.

In a statement, Mr Collett’s family said they had not given up hope of finding him and were thankful for the support received so far.

“We are immensely grateful for all the hard work and dedication of the police, State Emergency Services, volunteers and the community who have given up their time and have been searching tirelessly to bring Ian home,” they said.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/WEATHERALL Ros [PD82557]

“We are pleading for those who live near Albany Highway in the Ashendon and Mount Cooke areas to search their properties and sheds thoroughly just in case Ian was seeking shelter.

“We urge the community to report any sightings or information they might have to police and to not risk their own safety by searching the bushland in these areas.

“Regardless of the outcome, we wish to thank everyone for the support and compassion that has been shown. The outpouring of love has been a comfort during this stressful ordeal.”

The family believes it is possible Mr Collett hitched a ride to Albany or Mt Barker, areas he has connections to.

He was wearing a medical alert bracelet with ‘dementia’ on it, along with a mobile phone number.

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