Investigation into VC theft goes global

The Victoria Cross

Police are to question medal dealers and international collectors in a bid to capture the thieves who robbed the Army Museum in Waiouru, making off with 100 medals.

A border alert has been put in place to prevent any of the medals, taken early on Sunday morning, from leaving the country.

The missing medals include nine Victoria Crosses and two George Crosses.

Inspector Steve Mastrovich of Ruapehu police said officers would speak to medal dealers and collectors here and overseas to alert them to criminals looking to sell the stolen items.

He said there were no specific countries police would target yet and they would just be making general inquiries with people interested in medals.

"It's just one of those inquiries where it's just got to be taken one step at a time."

The latest recipient of the VC, Corporal Willie Apiata, urged the public to help the police with the recovery of the medals.

He said the theft of the medals was distressing.

"The families of those who were awarded the missing medals have been robbed of a personal connection to their loved ones and New Zealand has been robbed of the link, which the stolen medals represent, to the courageous actions of all those service men and service woman who have served their country at home and overseas.

"Since being awarded the VC I have always felt that I wear it on behalf of my unit, the NZDF and New Zealand. "

Mr Mastrovich said he was sure the case would be resolved and he appealed to the offenders to give themselves up.

He also urged anyone with information about the crime to come forward to police.

"But apart from that we still want to hear from anybody who was in Waiouru late on Saturday and up until 2am on Sunday, just so we can piece together movements in the town at that time.

"So it's local residents, truckies, people passing through - anybody."

He said it was unclear how many burglars there were, but there was probably more than one.

At the moment it did not look like an inside job, Mr Mastrovich said.

"But we're just keeping an open mind about it and until the scene examination is complete and we can have a good look at what we've got we're not going to jump to any conclusions."