by Alyssa Fritzlaff
The search for missing woman Lucinda has been scaled back in Neerim South, however, police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Lucinda, 24, has been missing since Sunday, October 16.
Early last week more than 50 local residents and emergency services personnel spent a number of days searching farm properties and bushland around McDougal Rd and Old Telegraph Rd for the missing woman.
Lucinda was initially reported missing after she failed to return to her family home in Neerim South on Sunday morning. 
Investigators quickly confirmed Lucinda had been dropped off by a ride-share driver along McDougal Rd at about 11am Sunday morning. 
Further information came to light later in the week, when police announced the last potential sighting of Lucinda was Monday, October 17 at about 4pm on the side of Durhams Rd and Mizpah Settlement Rd. 
On Thursday, Inspector Peter Fusinato said Lucinda “may be missing of her own volition or, unfortunately, has hurt herself or otherwise”. 
“Lucinda may not want to come home.
“Obviously, she was dropped off in that area for a reason…however Lucinda may not want her family to know she was home.”
Insp Fusinato last week urged locals in Old Telegraph Rd, Crossover and the Buln Buln East, Buln Buln and Warragul areas to check their properties and buildings for Lucinda or signs that she could have been there.
“Just be mindful that she may have wandered onto your properties,” he said.
“If you’ve been in that area and you feel you might have witnessed or seen someone that fits the description of Lucinda, please give us a call and we’ll have a look at that and try to confirm or deny it.
“No matter how small, if you believe it’s a potential sighting make sure you call 000 or ring the Warragul Police Station or Crime Stoppers.”
Insp Fusinato said police had a survivability assessment completed, and the period for survival in the area had “probably passed” as of Thursday without access to food and water.
“We’ve spoken to the family in regards to that, they are very aware of that situation, but we’ll continue on today and we’ll certainly go into tomorrow – we think that’s probably exhausted as far as the search going.
“But as far as the ongoing investigation, whilst we haven’t located Lucinda, that will be ongoing.”
Lucinda is described as 165cm tall with a thin build and blonde hair.
Anyone with information about Lucinda’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or if anyone sights Lucinda they are urged to call Triple Zero (000).