Your say: TV3 interviewing medal thief

Stuff readers had some strong views about Campbell Live interviewing a man involved in the theft of the historic New Zealand military medals.

As the grand-son of one of the VC winners, I am saddened by the latest turn of events. The whole episode of the medal theft has become a media circus. I am sure that my grand-father and other VCs would be appalled by the whole affair. At the moment, I am not sure who or what to believe, although I do have my own thoughts on the subject. I think Ron Mark summed it up; the medals were ransomed and the price paid was very high and very nasty. One thing is for sure, the medals were never returned, they were ransomed. To say that the medals were returned is pure fantasy.
Mark Frickleton

This is an indictment on our country that we would even entertain interviewing somebody wanted in relation to a crime. If this idiot is stupid enough to approach TV3, then TV3 as a national broadcaster have a moral obligation to inform the police. Failure to do so is surely obstruction of justice. If I had information relating to this individual and withheld I can't imagine the police would be very happy with me. Anyway, it's hard enough for them to do there jobs as it is. Isn't it 'Safer Communities Together', and that means everybody.
Mark Lynch

Has anyone thought that it all might have been a publicity stunt. The 'thief' was a 'ring in' and was no more the thief than I am. TV3 should be ashamed of themselves for deceiving the NZ public and should immediately make an apology and a donation to the RSA as a mark of respect. It was all a sick joke. I would be happy to broker that deal for a nominal fee and keep all names secret.
Glenn

This man is a thief not a murderer or paedophile. He is a thief who has freely admitted and apologised publicly for what he did wrong (albeit disguised). Good on him for returning them and for apologising. Thank TV3 for showing us that the man was sorry and thanks for reporting this. (PS: Has my memory failed me, but haven’t all forms of media broadcast people's confessions of various natures in the past, mmmm – why is this different). Finally, I must agree with others that the thief should not be receiving money. It sets a precedent for circumstances of a similar nature to happen again (i.e. reward for breaking the law, not a good thing to teach our young). It should just have been ‘return the medals and no prosecution’ for returning NZ’s medal heritage/history to it’s rightful place.
Anne Leadbetter

I was appalled that TV3 would stoop so low as to interview the thief. Just gives the thief more bragging power. There should be a media ban on low-lifes such as him trying to get media attention.
Rosemary

I consider this to be very low journalism - any information that any news media outlet have about outstanding 'offenders' for crimes, particularly high profile ones, should be passed to the police. It is stating the obvious but TV3 has taken a step towards turning thieves into celebrities. How would any of these broadcasters feel if it was a house, maybe their own, that they had broken into and stolen the medals from - and the offenders were being interviewed on TV?
Matthew

TV3 should be charged. Although there is a legal right not to talk to police, what about the moral right? The duty to other members of society to promote a lawful safe society. TV3 have grandstanded over this matter and are protecting those in the criminal sector. Why? Just so they can have a story? Where wil the line be drawn for TV3? Secret interviews of murderers, rapists? This is why this country has a crime problem because people tolerate it. The zero tolerance policy should be adhered to by all parts of society including the media.
Lyle

If the thief is so sorry why does he not give the money back as well. Then the citizens of New Zealand would really believe him.
J Turner