Family fears for missing Avondale Heights mum Karen Ristevski

Written for the Herald Sun. View original article.

THE family of a beloved Melbourne mother and businesswoman missing for three days is desperate for her return.

Karen Ristevski, 47, walked out of her Avondale Heights home at about 10am on Wednesday and has not been seen since.

She had been arguing with husband Borce about financial issues relating to a family-run ladies boutique and said she was going to clear her head.

Missing woman Karen Ristevski’s husband Borce and daughter Sarah at Avondale Heights Police Station plead for information about her whereabouts. Picture: Sarah Matray

Ms Ristevski’s mobile phone is switched off and she hasn’t used her debit card.

Daughter Sarah, who celebrated her 21st birthday alongside her mother only three weeks ago, said was just wanted to know her mum was safe.

“I just want my mum to come home,” she said.

“It’s not like her to miss work as well.

“It’s not like her.”

Husband Borce and daughter Sarah call for information about missing Avondale Heights woman Karen Ristevski. Picture: Sarah Matray

Mr Ristevski said his wife had left home to cool off in the past but never for more than a couple of hours.

The pair was at their Oakley Dve home when Ms Ristevski went upstairs and later left on foot through the garage, leaving her car behind.

They had been discussing improving figures at the family’s Bella Bleu ladies boutique following problems at the Watergardens outlet the previous day.

“That was the last thing she said to me: ‘I’m going to go and clear my head’,’’ Mr Ristevski said.

“She has always walked back in the door after calming down.

“And this time we’ve got concern and that’s why we made the report.

“It is distressing for all the family.

“Without the knowing is the hardest part — not knowing where she is or what we can do to actually get her back.”

Ms Ristevski was carrying about $850 in cash when she disappeared.

Police have investigated one unconfirmed sighting at Watergardens and are checking phone records.

“It’s highly irregular of her — she usually maintains contact with her family on a daily basis,” Sen-Constable Ante Sandric said.

The residential area where she went missing was quiet and backed on to the Maribyrnong River, he said.

Ms Ristevski is about 160cm and of slim build with shoulder length brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a black jacket and jeans and is known to frequent Taylors Lakes.

Anyone who sees her or with information is urged to phone Avondale Heights police on (03) 9337 6777.

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