26-05-2025
Car found in remote WA could be linked to missing prospector Barry Podmore
The discovery of an abandoned vehicle in remote bushland in WA's Wheatbelt has sparked a fresh search effort linked to a 73-year-old prospector missing for almost six months.
Barry Podmore, 73, was last seen on December 4 prospecting in Karroun Hill, around 310 kilometres north-east of Perth, and his last-known contact with others a day later.
He has not been seen since.
However, a WA Police spokesperson said a recently discovered four-wheel drive was a "vehicle of interest."
"A ground search of the location, between Paynes Find and Southern Cross, commenced on Monday," the spokesperson said.
"A team of police officers from the Emergency Operations Unit and the Wheatbelt District has been deployed to the region to undertake searches in the Karroun area."
The ABC understands the vehicle was locked when found, but no further details have been released.
Since the initial search effort wrapped up in December, Mr Podmore's family — who say it is out of character for the 73-year-old not to make contact — have made repeated trips to the Karroun area to continue searching.
Anyone with information on Mr Podmore's disappearance should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
