NZ Herald Morning News Update | Reserve Bank looks for answers, AIMS games in Tauranga. Concern for Wellington clubs and Tom Phillips' children.
The mayor of a small rural town targeted by a fugitive father has dismissed claims that the quad bike Tom Phillips was seen riding was stolen from a farmer in the area.
It came after fresh footage of Phillips and one of his children was caught on CCTV camerasusing a power tool, suspected to be an angle grinder, to break into the Piopio Superette.
Today Stuff reported that a local vet’s property had been burgled a month ago, and a quad bike had been stolen.
When shown the footage of Phillips and one of his children stealing in the night, the vet could not say if it was her bike, but could confirm the drum on the back was definitely not hers.
She did not believe it was Phillips who stole the bike, but rather one of the contractors or other people who had passed through.
Another local was asked if they believed Phillips was behind other crimes in the area, like the killing and butchering of a bull. They responded that it “could have been anyone”.
CCTV footage released by police is believed to show Marokopa man Tom Phillips and one of his children breaking into a building in Piopio.
Ōtorohanga Mayor Max Baxter told the Herald he “had to love a reporter’s tenacity in hunting for a story where there really isn’t one there”.
“I myself am a farmer and we have to be constantly diligent when it comes to protecting our assets on farm.”
He said farmers typically took note of unusual vehicle activity in the area and made sure keys to bikes and other vehicles were removed and hidden from public view.
The footage revealed last week shows a man police believe to be Phillips, and one of his children, targeting a back entrance of the Piopio Superette, which is covered with metal bars.
The child’s face is concealed by a piece of fabric stuck under their cap. The man has his hood pulled up, the cords drawn tightly to hide his face.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders said Phillips faced charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“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.”
Jayda, Maverick and Ember were 8, 7 and 5 when they went into hiding. They are now 12, 10 and 9.
