Fugitive Father Hiding in Wilderness with His 3 Kids Since 2021 Appears to Break Into Rural Town Store in New Footage

Fresh CCTV footage has given police their strongest lead yet in the case of fugitive father Tom Phillips. The video shows a man forcing entry into a small rural shop late at night. Authorities believe the figure is Phillips, who has been missing since December 2021 with his three children. What makes the footage more troubling is that a smaller figure, believed to be one of the children – appears alongside him.

Police say the video confirms the family is still active in rural areas rather than disappearing completely off-grid. For investigators, it’s not just a burglary case but proof that Phillips continues to move his children from place to place, keeping them hidden from authorities and extended family.

The dramatic moment unfolded in the small town of Piopio, New Zealand.

The break-in took place in Piopio, a quiet town in New Zealand’s Waikato region. With fewer than 500 residents, Piopio is known for its close-knit community and calm pace of life. The shop that was targeted is a family-run business, central to the town’s daily needs. For locals, the thought of a fugitive and his children passing through is both unsettling and shocking.

Investigators believe Piopio was chosen for its location. The surrounding farmland and bushland offer plenty of cover for someone living off-grid. For police, this small town has now become a focal point of the search — suggesting Phillips may still be operating within familiar territory rather than fleeing abroad.