Theft of Victoria Crosses

[5th December 2007]

A reward of 200,000NZ$ (£75,000) has been personally offered by Lord Ashcroft for the recovery of medals - including 9 Victoria Crosses - stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum on New Zealand's North Island early on Sunday 2nd December 2007.

During a break-in at the Waiouru Army Museum New Zealand's North Island early on Sunday 2nd December 2007, 9 Victoria Crosses, 2 George Crosses and other medals were stolen.

Lord Ashcroft (Chairman of Trustees of Crimestoppers UK and a noted collector of Victoria Crosses) has personnally offered a reward of 200,000NZ$ (£75,000) for their recovery. He stated "For New Zealand it is an absolute tragedy in terms of percentage of Victoria Crosses ever awarded to your military".

In New Zealand, Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner said: "Their theft is a theft from New Zealand and as such is a serious crime calling for the co-operation of all New Zealanders in their recovery."

NEW ZEALAND only

If you have any information, please contact the police on 0800 349 0606

UK only

If you have any information, you can give it anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or using this anonymous Giving Information Form

REST OF WORLD

If you have any information, you can also pass it anonymously to Crimestoppers by ringing (44)1883 731 336 (you will be charged for these calls)