It's not often police implore criminals to be generous.
But investigators have made a direct appeal to kidnappers for the safe return of an elderly grandfather they are certain was taken by mistake.
Chris Baghsarian, 85, has been held captive since three men bundled him into a dark-coloured SUV outside his Sydney home shortly before dawn on Friday.
While police are confident the grandfather and widower is still alive, videos of him restrained in an unknown location have prompted grave concerns for his safety.
"He's on daily medication ... every hour is very important," acting Detective Superintendent Andrew Marks told reporters on Monday.
"(The videos) are distressing, to see an 85-year-old man in that condition."
Vision published by Nine News shows a dark Toyota pulling into a street in North Ryde before Mr Baghsarian is abducted from his home.
A man in hi-vis clothing is seen emerging from the car, followed by an accomplice.
Moments later, they are seen pushing the elderly man across the landing as the car moves closer.
Police said a burnt-out vehicle matching the description of the SUV involved was found nearby.
Mr Baghsarian's lack of family or personal links to any criminal or underworld activity is making the case difficult for investigators.
No ransom has been demanded, meaning police have been left to appeal directly to the kidnappers to return the grandfather to a safe location.
"This is a very strange appeal, but we appeal to those that are responsible to release Mr Baghsarian somewhere safe," Det Supt Marks said.
"Inform somebody so that we can get to him and give him the medical treatment he needs."
It's believed Mr Baghsarian is a widower who has lived alone for almost four years.
Det Supt Marks couldn't answer why the kidnappers were yet to return him.
But he said investigators were "a million per cent confident" the criminals had the wrong man.
"It's not an instance where they're randomly taking people for the sake of it," he said.
"They were intending to take somebody, but have taken the wrong person."
NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed the calls for the perpetrators to release Mr Baghsarian but warned there would be serious consequences for the abductors once caught.
"It's not too late to end this situation ... please return him to his family," he said.
"Drop Mr Baghsarian off at a shopping centre, an emergency department or even a nursing home."
Police wouldn't confirm if the intended target was linked to organised crime.
Members of the public who have noticed unusual movements in neighbouring houses are being urged to contact police.
