Sinister aspects to Carmen's disappearance

The Police investigation into the disappearance of Remuera mother, 32 year-old Carmen Thomas, features in tonight's episode of Police Ten-7 on TV2 at 7.30pm and, in it, the officer in charge of the search reveals there are several items related to Carmen and her car that are unaccounted for.

Detective Inspector Mark Benefield says her dark Nissan Pulsar 3-door hatchback, registration number ATS 209, was sporting a temporary spare left rear tyre when recovered in Hamilton on July 13, but the car's standard tyre and jack equipment have not been located.

"Further, the turquoise-coloured handbag that Carmen always used was not in her car or her home when Police searched it. Car keys are also unaccounted for.

"We'd very much like to know where these items are. We have to acknowledge that things are looking pretty sinister at this stage of the investigation.

"Carmen's bank accounts have not been touched, she has not had any contact with family or friends since July 1 at the very latest, possibly earlier.

"Given that she has a five year-old son who is missing her and that her mother has travelled from South Africa to help find her, one could reasonably assume that, if she was alive and well, she might have tried to contact Police or her family.

"She hasn't and we've had no corroborated sightings of her since June 27 when we know she shopped at the Greenlane Countdown supermarket."

Inquiries to date have also revealed that Carmen's car was parked in Sylvan St East for several hours from shortly after midnight on June 26 and Police want to hear from anyone who noticed it there, particularly if they noticed what wheels it was sporting.

"We believe she was driving around the Newmarket area with four 'normal' tyres on June 25, so we'd love to hear from anyone who can tell us when the tyres were changed, where the standard tyre is and what was wrong with it," Mr Benefield said.

Carmen's mother, Teresa Scott, also features on the television programme and she met with her grandson today for the first time since he was a young baby.

People with information on any aspect of Carmen's disappearance can contact the investigation team via any one of the following options:

• 'Phone Op Keppel on 0800 537 753

• 'Phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

• E-mail whereiscarmen@police.govt.nz

• or call 0800 107 INFO after tonight's show on 0800 107 4636

ENDS

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