New Zealand Police has released CCTV footage that they believe shows missing Marokopa dad Tom Phillips and one of his kids during a late-night burglary in Piopio.
The break-in happened around 2am on Wednesday, August 27, at a local business – the same store Phillips is thought to have unsuccessfully targeted back in November 2023.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders said police are now investigating whether Phillips was involved. In the footage, two masked figures can be seen hanging around for about 13 minutes before loading up groceries into containers on a quad bike and taking off.
“We believe the pair in this footage are Tom and one of his children,” Saunders said.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have seen the quad bike travelling or parked between Piopio and Marokopa in the early hours of Wednesday.
But Saunders stressed what’s most important: “At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their well-being is our main focus.”
Just last week, Phillips’ sister broke down in tears on 'Paddy Gower Has Issues' as she shared heartfelt pleas from herself and their mother, urging him to return.
I miss you, and I miss being part of your life. You’re very special to me and you’re my friend as well as my brother. I love you and it’s okay. I really want to see you again.
The letter from their mum, obtained by Stuff, read: “Tom, I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this, not considering how much we love you and could support you. It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you.”
She said she misses her grandchildren, and that the family “wake up every day hoping today will be the day you all come home.”
SOURCE: NZ POLICE
“The people that are helping Tom, they need to talk to us or they need to reach out to someone that they trust to communicate with us,” Saunders told Gower.
He added that New Zealand Police want to get the ball rolling with negotiations, reiterating that the opportunity to have those conversations has “always been on the table.”
We want this to end safely. Let’s get everyone out of there safely.
For the last four years, it’s believed Tom and the children have been living in the bush, constantly in hiding and moving frequently.
Phillips already faces a range of charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
SOURCE: NZ POLICE
This burglary marks the latest alleged sighting since the confirmed spotting in October 2024, near Marokopa on the west coast of the North Island.
