EARLIER: The region's top police officer has said she is "disappointed" a man was able to escape from custody at the Ballarat Police Station.

Police have called of their search for 29-year-old Wendouree man Grant Kelly after he handed himslef in to police late on Tuesday following his alleged escape from the Dana Street police station on Monday night.

Kelly was due to be interviewed when it is alleged he ran from the interview room and was able to make his way to the back of the police complex, before jumping over the barbed-wire fence about 6.55pm.

Kelly was in custody in relation to serious assaults, while he also has an outstanding corrections warrant.

Following his escape from the station, it is also alleged Kelly attempted to steal at least one occupied car but was unsuccessful.

Police conducted a search for Kelly late into Monday night, though he was not located.

A heavy police presence was also visible across Ballarat on Tuesday, as police appeared to be searching different addresses.

The fugitive taskforce, from Melbourne, has now taken over the search with assistance from local investigators.

It is not the first time Kelly, who is known to police, has escaped from custody. An incident in 2010 is remarkably similar to what occurred this week.

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Following his arrest in May 2010, Kelly had been allowed into the rear yard of the Dana Street police station for a cigarette.

Kelly, who was not handcuffed at the time, was then able to scale the barbed wire fence and run from the complex.

A manhunt, including with the dog squad and police air wing, was conducted across Ballarat. He was located in Ceduna, South Australia, three weeks later.

Superintendent Jenny Wilson said what had occurred this week was disappointing for herself and other Ballarat police officers.

"He has escaped custody previously which would indicate to me that he had a good understanding of the layout of the police station and that aided his confidence this time," she said.

An internal investigation has commenced in order to analyse what occurred and what processes need to be changed to ensure it does not happen again.

Kelly, who is not believed to be armed, was last seen wearing blue tracksuit pants, a black singlet, a grey and blue hoodie and no shoes.

Superintendent Wilson said police would continue searching for Kelly - who is known to be violent and resisted arrest when he was taken into custody - until he is located.

Police across the state are aware he is on the run, while information from the community will also be important to aid the search.

Superintendent Wilson urged friends or family who may be harbouring Kelly to come forward, or for Kelly himself to give himself up so he could be safely taken into custody.

Superintendent Wilson urged people to keep an eye out for Kelly but not to approach him as it is uncertain how he would react.

If you see Grant Kelly, call Triple Zero (000).

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