New Zealand police have released fresh CCTV footage believed to show a fugitive who disappeared with his three children more than three years ago.
The night-time footage shows two people in full-body clothing - who police are 'confident' is Tom Phillips and one of his children - apparently breaking into a store before driving away on a quad bike.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders told a press conference on Friday that the pair had made off with some 'grocery items'.
Mr Phillips disappeared into the wilderness with his three children in December 2021 after losing legal custody to their mother.
Since then, a national search for Mr Phillips and his children—Ember, Maverick, and Jayda—has been ongoing, with police now releasing this new footage in hopes the community can assist in locating them.
The break-in occurred around 02:00 local time in Piopio, with police noting that Phillips had previously targeted the same store in November 2023.
'At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their wellbeing is our main focus,' said Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders.
Mr Phillips faces charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and illegal possession of a firearm. Authorities are exploring whether Phillips may have fallen out with any accomplices, as the implications of the burglary raise questions about his current circumstances.
Phillips and his children were spotted publicly for the first time last October by teenagers while trekking, raising alarm over their lack of education and social contact.
Last year, a cash reward for information leading to the children's safe return expired without being claimed. Phillips's family has issued appeals for his return, expressing their distress over the situation.
'Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you,' his mother wrote in a heartfelt message to local media.
