Twenty-six-year-old Matthew Drew, from Kangaroo Flat, absconded while part of a prison working group at the Muckleford Railway Station on Friday morning.

He fled in a stolen white 2008 Holden Rodeo utlity with the registration YES460 – a vehicle police believe he is still using.

Inspector Michael Cruse said on Tuesday police were continuing their search efforts.

“We believe he has been sighted in the Bendigo area in the last couple of days,” he said.

Drew was an inmate at restricted-minimum security Middleton Prison, at Castlemaine.

He was serving time for offences related to theft, burglary, driving and handling of stolen goods.

A Corrections Victoria spokesperson said an internal review would be carried out, “as with all significant incidents”.

Anyone who sees Drew or the vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.