Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of escaped prisoner Lex Miller.

The 48-year-old escaped from Rangipo Prison, near Turangi on Thursday, August 25 after stealing a silver Toyota Camry from the prison car park.

Escaped prisoner Lex Miller.

Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce from Taupo Police says police have received reports of one sighting of Miller between Turangi and Taupo on Thursday afternoon, but they have not yet been able to locate him.

"In order to narrow this down, we are seeking any information from the public about Miller's whereabouts, including any possible sightings of him, or the car he was believed to be driving when he left the Prison.”

Miller has family connections in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, particularly Whakatane and Detective Pearce says the police are working with Miller's extended family and acquaintances to try to establish his whereabouts.

Detective Pearce says Miller is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

"Miller was imprisoned for serious criminal offences and is considered dangerous. As such, we are very keen to locate and apprehend him as soon as possible."

Miller is a 48-year-old European, approximately 173cm tall. He has short, sandy brown hair and was last seen wearing a tan coloured shirt, blue jeans and white sports shoes, but may have changed clothes since then.

"If anyone has any information about Miller or the car that he was driving on Thursday afternoon, please call us immediately on 111 or contact any local police station.”

People can also provide information anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.