CCTV has captured the moment an 85-year-old grandfather has been snatched from his home in a chilling early-morning kidnapping that police believe was a horrifying case of mistaken identity.

Chris Baghsarian was taken from his home in Sydney, Australia. Shortly before dawn on Friday after his now-captors forced entry and dragged him from his bedroom.

Grainy CCTV footage shows two men arriving in a dark SUV, with one wearing a high-visibility jacket, before approaching the property. Moments later, the elderly man is forced towards the vehicle and driven away.

A dark Toyota SUV believed to have been used in the abduction was later found burned out in nearby bushland.

Speaking to the press on Monday, NSW Police Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said he believed Mr Baghsarian was “still alive and that was “a million per cent confident” the 85-year-old was the wrong target.

“His family are quite concerned,” he said. “They’re quite surprised that this has happened, and what they want is a safe return of their father.”

Police say Mr Baghsarian’s family has no criminal connections and do not believe he was the intended target.

“We know that these common offences usually involve those that are involved in organised crime networks,” Superintendent Marks said.

No ransom demand has been made and police remain in the dark about the kidnappers’ motive.

On Monday, February 16, Superintendent Marks urged Mr Baghsarian's captors to set the old aged pensioner free.

"I don’t know why they have not released him... Take him to a hospital. Take him to somewhere that’s safe, and we’ll do the rest. We’ll get him the medical treatment that is required,” he said.

Premier Chris Minns also issued a heartfelt plea for Mr Baghsarian’s release on Monday, February 16, urging those responsible to leave him at a hospital, shopping centre or care facility.

“It’s not too late to end the situation. We want to say to the people responsible, please – this is a man who’s over 80 years old – please return him to his family."

“Let police know where he’s currently located or alternatively drop Mr Baghsarian off at a shopping centre or an emergency department or even a nursing home. We urge them to do that as soon as possible.

“This is a distressing situation. We want to reunite Mr Baghsarian with his family, and we’re asking whoever’s responsible to do it as an act of humanity today.”

The state Premier added that Baghsarian’s family were “distraught”.

Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.