25 Dec 2009

Prison escaper still at large

5:57 pm on 25 December 2009

A high security prisoner who escaped from Auckland Prison at Paremoremo last week, is still at large.

Kevin Polwart, 49, who is a convicted armed robber, cut two perimeter fences on 16 December and has not been seen since.

A picture of a rabbit and the words "Catch me if you can" were scrawled on a prison wall before the escape.

Polwart also escaped from Rimutaka Prison in 2001 using the same method. He was at large for 41 days before being recaptured.

Detective Senior Segeant Kim Libby says police have been visiting family members and associates Polwart knew in Wellington about 10 years ago - but so far, they have no leads.

He says they are relying on a sighting by the public to find Polwart, who is considered to be dangerous.

Polwart was due for parole in 18 months.