Mum’s appeal for daughter missing in Perth for five days

UPDATE: Tahlia Prior was located safe and well in Yalgoo about 10.50pm on Wednesday. Following the press conference, police received numerous calls from members of the public advising police of recent sightings. Tahlia’s mother is extremely appreciative but has requested privacy at this time.

The mother of a South Perth woman who has been missing for five days says she is “gravely concerned” for her daughter’s welfare as she reaches out for the public’s help to locate her on her 27th birthday.

Tahlia Prior was last seen on Mills Street in Bentley after exiting Bentley Hospital around 5pm last Friday.

On Wednesday her mum, Cindy Prior, stood with police to appeal to the public for information on her daughter’s whereabouts.

“It’s your special day today. We need you to come home. We need you to be at home with us to celebrate your birthday,” she said.

Tahlia was wearing sky blue pants and a black jumper. Police also said she was wearing black sneakers.

“Police have made extensive enquiries to locate Tahlia,” officer in charge of Cannington Police Station Senior Sergeant Trisha Stjepic said.

“Several ground and air assets have been assigned to the search.

“Tahlia has been missing for several days, and we urgently require public assistance to help get a clearer picture of her movements during this time.

“She is without a phone and a wallet and may be extremely vulnerable.”

Tahlia, a civil engineer, was awarded the STEM Student of the Year at Curtin University in 2022.

“Tahlia is a bright, intelligent young woman,” her mum said.

“She’s kind, friendly and caring.”

Cindy added that Tahlia is short-sighted and usually wears glasses but is currently without them.

She described her daughter as “vulnerable”.

“We think Tahlia is quite vulnerable at the moment, and we are pleading to the public for information,” she said.

“Like everyone, Tahlia has ups and downs. But overall, she’s happy and outgoing. We are extremely concerned for her safety and welfare and are desperate to have her back home.”

Tahlia is described as being approximately 174 centimetres tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Police said anyone who sights her or has any information in relation to her whereabouts, is urged to contact police on 131 444.