Missing father 'likely murdered', say police

A devoted dad missing for a month is likely to have been murdered, say police, and his killer is probably keeping a close eye on the investigation.

While reluctant to say why they believe Kapiti Coast man Raymond 'Son' Piper has been killed, police have seized cleaning products used on the vehicle he was last seen in.

The 23-year-old was last seen near former girlfriend Hanna Lark's home in Paraparaumu Beach on May 15. The couple have a 3-year-old son named Cayden.

Piper was at Lark's place when she left to visit her mother at about 9am that day. He was gone when she got home but was seen that morning in the front passenger seat of a dark green Mazda Marvie.

Police believe the Mazda travelled to Whanganui but do not know how long Piper was in the vehicle.

He has not contacted his family since he left Lark's house. His bank account, from which he usually withdrew his pay every Monday morning, has not been touched. He left his eftpos card, driving licence and spare clothes at Lark's house, which he locked behind him.

Two weeks ago, police revealed they had received "unsubstantiated information" that Piper may have been killed.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam said on Friday he was considering all options, but murder was likely.

"From day one we considered it as an option. The people responsible for this will be following it in the media. They will want to know what police are up to."

Police have searched "places of interest", including the Challenge Kapiti petrol station in Paraparaumu Beach. The service station manager confirmed yesterday police seized car cleaning products and a computer.

The owner of the Mazda used Jif and other cleaning products belonging to Grant Anderson, who leases the service station, to clean the vehicle just after he bought it.

"I can't go into where and what was found in case it jeopardises a prosecution," said Oxnam. "All I can say is the inquiry has got a good focus."

Piper's family had resigned themselves to the fact he was not coming home alive, said Oxnam.

His sister Aroha said the family were "tired, exhausted and devastated".

* Anyone with information can phone police on 0800 FIND RAY, or email findray@police.govt.nz or text 027 241 1394.