The Waikato Police are offering a reward of $80,000 for any information that leads to the safe return of three missing children: Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 10, Phillips. The children have been missing since December 12, 2021. They were taken by their father, Tom Phillips, and are believed to be somewhere in Western Waikato, possibly in Marokopa or nearby areas.
The police are worried about the children’s welfare. They have been living in isolation for over two years without any contact with others and without access to education or health care. Tom Phillips, who does not have legal custody of the children, is wanted by the police, and there is a warrant for his arrest.
A police team has been sent to Marokopa to continue the search for the missing children. The police will be visible in the community in the coming days and are urging anyone with information about the children’s whereabouts to come forward.
The police believe that Tom and the children are receiving help from others. They are asking anyone who is assisting them to stop and to provide the police with any information they have. The police are prepared to offer a reward of up to $80,000 for any information or evidence that leads to the safe return of the children.
The police are also considering offering immunity from prosecution to anyone who has helped Tom Phillips, if they provide information that leads to the children’s safe return. This offer will be valid until June 25, 2024.
The Phillips family has been informed about the developments in the case, and the police are in close contact with them. Anyone with information can contact the investigation team by calling the 105 reporting line and quoting the file number 211218/5611, or by emailing op.curly@police.govt.nz.
Tom Phillips is also facing charges for aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm from a separate criminal investigation. The police consider him to be armed and dangerous and are advising people not to approach him. Any sightings of Phillips should be reported to the police immediately by calling 111. Information can also be given anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at 0800 555 111.
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