Bathurst detectives and police were yesterday investigating the possibility that Kevin John Smith may have made his way to Bathurst.

Police said Smith, who was serving an eight-year sentence for kidnapping and aggravated break-and-enter, formerly lived in west Bathurst and still has contacts and family members in the city.

He was discovered missing from his cell in the minimum security section of Goulburn gaol about 1am yesterday.

Police have warned the community not to approach Smith.

Intelligence officer with Bathurst Police Senior Constable Ted Walkowiak said police are looking into the possibility Smith has made his way to one of three centres in the central west.

"We're making inquiries into the possibility he has come to Bathurst or gone to Mudgee or Dunedoo, where he also has family members," he said.

Smith, 52, was described as being of white European appearance, 181cm tall, medium build, with a ruddy complexion and short greying ginger hair.

Police said he was last seen wearing green pants and a green jumper, although his clothing was possibly dyed blue.

Snr Const. Walkowiak said people should call 000 if they come across Smith or know of his whereabouts.