There’s been no trace of a convicted robber who mysteriously escaped from Berrima Prison on Sunday morning.

Thomas John Foster, serving 25 years for armed robbery, is the second Berrima inmate to break out in two months.

Police consider the heavily-tattooed 51-year-old to be dangerous and he should no be approached.

Foster was last seen at Berrima Prison at 7:30am Sunday and did not attend a roll call at 8am.

Police suspect he may be heading towards the Penrith area.

He is described as of white/European appearance, 176cm tall, 79 kg and of medium muscular build, with grey hair and brown eyes.

He is tattooed with a Fred Flintstone character on the top of his right hand and a ship tattooed on his chest.

Correctional Services officials and prison staff were being interviewed yesterday on the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Bowral Police inspector Brian Daly said no explanation has yet been determined.

His escape follows that of the so far successful attempt by 30-year-old Scott Sheddon who disappeared while on gardening duties at the prison farm on January 16.

Sheddon was completing a five-year sentence for robbery with intent for harm was due for release in July.

Police confirmed this week there has been no sighting of him either.

Opposition Correctional Services spokesman Andrew Humpherson yesterday blasted the Carr Government “for yet another escape”.

“The Carr Government has left yet another jail escape unexplained,” he said.

“ The public is told of the escape but never hears of the investigation into how the prisoner escaped

“Just how many prisoners are ‘on the run’ providing an immediate danger to the NSW community?

“According to the latest figures available there were 125 escapes last year (1999/00). “This means an offender escapes every three days from a NSW prison.

“The prison system is out of control.”

Mr Humpherson claimed the Carr Government has substituted experienced staff with passive electronic

surveillance to the detriment of the wider community.

“Since 1995/96 inmate numbers have increased from 6291 to 7272 in 1999/2000. In that time, prison officer numbers have barely changed,” he said.

Members of the public should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if they have any information on the whereabouts of Foster or Sheddon.