New Zealand police have released new CCTV footage that is believed to show Tom Phillips, a fugitive who vanished with his three children over three years ago. The footage, recorded at night, depicts two individuals dressed in full-body clothing—who law enforcement is “confident” are Phillips and one of his children—allegedly breaking into a store. They are seen leaving the scene on a quad bike after taking several grocery items.
Phillips disappeared with his children, Ember, Maverick, and Jayda, in December 2021 after losing legal custody to their mother. Since that time, a national search has been ongoing to locate them. The recent footage was made public in hopes of prompting the community to report any sightings.
The suspected break-in occurred in Piopio, a small town in northern New Zealand, around 02:00 local time. Authorities noted that Phillips had previously attempted to target the store in November 2023. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders emphasized the importance of the children’s wellbeing, stating that their safety remains the primary focus of the investigation.
Phillips is facing several charges, including aggravated robbery and illegally possessing a firearm. Police have indicated the possibility that Phillips may have received assistance from others during his time on the run. They are now assessing the implications of this recent burglary, questioning whether it suggests a conflict with potential accomplices or a display of confidence on Phillips’s part.
Last October marked the first public sighting of Phillips and his children when they were spotted trekking by a group of teenagers, leading to concerns about their prolonged isolation and lack of education. Authorities previously offered a cash reward for information leading to the safe return of the children, but this offer has since expired without being claimed. Phillips’s family has publicly expressed their desire for him to return, with his mother sharing sentiments about their love and support for him.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g6knz7e65o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss