NZ$200,000 reward available to catch medal thieves

[15th April 2008]

Lord Ashcroft, whose NZ$200,000 reward led to the return of many priceless New Zealand bravery medals earlier this year, has offered a further NZ$200,000 for the apprehension and conviction of those who stole them.

In Wellington yesterday, Lord Ashcroft visited the Waiouru Army Museum, which is where the medals were stolen from. The recovered medals are undergoing continuing forensic tests in a police laboratory in Auckland.

A total of 96 medals were stolen from the Army Museum in December, including nine Victoria Crosses - the Commonwealth's most prestigious military medal.

Lord Ashcroft is the world's leading collector of Victoria Crosses and is responsible for building a collection of more than 10% of all Victoria Crosses ever conferred.

One of the stolen Victoria Crosses was a Victoria Cross and Bar, which had been awarded to the late Charles Upham. This was only one of three Victoria Crosses and Bars ever issued, and the only one awarded to a fighting soldier.

Lord Ashcroft said: "Charles Upham's Victoria Cross is incomparable. It is the 'Holy Grail' of Victoria Crosses. I could not bear to think of this tangible record of incredible bravery being melted down or simply thrown away. I knew that, if I could, I had to do something, and that is why I decided to offer the reward for the return of the medals."

Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, wrote to thank Lord Ashcroft: "Any theft is distressing, but this was a crime of national significance. It represented a theft of our heritage. It was a callous and belligerent attack against the courage, commitment and honour of the men and women past, present and future who have served our country."

For more information, read the full New Zealand medal theft press release.