Registered sex offender Christopher Empey, previously jailed for a violent rape in Melbourne, is on the run from police, having fled his home with cash and his passport.

The 46-year-old, described as “a monster” by a judge in 2003, removed his tracking bracelet on Thursday, took $10,000 from his safe, ditched his car and bought an off-road motorbike, Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said on Saturday.

Police believe he is heading into bushland to “actively avoid apprehension” and could be somewhere near the regional Victorian town of Mansfield.

“We know that Mr Empey has significant bush survival skills,” the assistant commissioner said.

The Tasmanian business manager was 31 when convicted and jailed for 12 years for the violent rape of a woman he danced and drank with at a company awards night in Melbourne.

The 30-year-old victim suffered multiple head and facial injuries, including skull fractures, a torn ear and severe vaginal and anal injuries.

Empey was released on parole in 2015 and in July this year was put on the Sex Offenders Register, requiring him to wear a GPS tracking device.

He was due in court on Friday over an interim supervision order but did not show. Subsequent investigations found he fled his Maindample property, some 200km north of Melbourne, a day earlier.

There is a warrant out for Empey’s arrest and police are actively searching for him.

Police have questioned his family but none have been able to provide information as to his whereabouts.

His last known location was Bonnie Doon about 5pm Thursday and he was riding a yellow motorbike, registered GD531, Assistant Commissioner Paterson said.

Despite fleeing with his passport, Empey is not a flight risk because Border Force will prevent him leaving the country.

Police do not want members of the public to approach Empey, as he is considered dangerous. Any sightings should be reported immediately by calling triple zero.

An image of Empey has been released in the hope someone recognises him.

-AAP