Victoria Crosses stolen from museum

Nine Victoria Crosses, two George Crosses and other medals were stolen in the theft early today.

Museum staff discovered that several displays had been broken into, after the alarm was activated in an annex to the building sometime between midnight and 6am.

Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner told a press conference this afternoon that while a definitive list of the stolen medals was not available, the Victoria Cross for New Zealand medal awarded to Corporal Willie Apiata VC was not among the missing medals.

'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.''

Museum executive trustee Don McIver said combined the medals could fetch "millions".

Major General Gardiner would not speculate on whether they were stolen to order, but said their value was in "what they symbolised".

Customs had been notified and had issued a border alert.

Ruapehu police area commander Steve Mastrovich said the burglary appeared to be well-planned.

"They broke in round the back through the fire escape and targeted the Alcove room where all the medals are kept and they took a select bunch of medals, particularly Victoria Crosses," he said.

"It doesn't look as if it was a spur of the moment thing."

He said it wasn't clear exactly what other medals had been taken as the crime scene had been secured until a forensics team could arrive.

"It was quite a stunning sort of offence really. It's quite amazing that anybody would target property like that, especially when you consider what the medals signify."

Police are asking anyone with information to call 0800 349 0606.

Medals taken include:

* Samuel Frickleton, VC -- WW1

* Leslie Andrew, VC -- WW1

* Randolph Ridling, Albert Medal -- WW1

* Reginald Judson, VC, DCM, MM -- WW1

* John Grant, VC -- WW1

* Harry Laurent, VC -- WW1

* Jack Hinton, VC -- WW2

* Clive Hulme, VC -- WW2

* Keith Elliott, VC -- WW2

* Charles Upham, VC and Bar -- WW2

* David Russell, GC -- WW2

* Ken Hudson, GC.

With NZPA