An elderly Victoria woman missing for nearly four weeks is safe after police received a tip about her whereabouts.

Police issued a public plea on Monday for help locating Diane (Sophie) Bates, 74, who has a history of mental illness. The woman’s landlord reported her missing on April 20, nearly three weeks after she was last seen.

Bates finally telephoned Victoria police Wednesday, but didn’t disclose her location.

“She called to say she’s fine, but obviously we wanted to meet with her,” said Mike Tucker, Victoria police spokesperson.

Police then received a tip on Friday from someone who saw Bates. Investigators were able to locate her, and learned she had been with a friend.

emccracken@vicnews.com