[MSN] New Zealand. An American ex-serviceman and an unidentified New Zealand businessman have joined Lord Ashcroft in offering rewards for the return of the medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum last weekend.

[Museum Security Network Mailing list]

Additional rewards offered for information on medals
Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:40a.m.    


An American ex-serviceman and an unidentified New Zealand businessman have
joined Lord Ashcroft in offering rewards for the return of the medals stolen
from the Waiouru Army Museum last weekend.

British medal collector Lord Michael Ashcroft offered a $200,000 reward for
information leading to the stolen medals' return.

Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann said the new offers
were "very generous", but did not say how much they were.

Police had been discussing the matter of the rewards and were assessing what
impact they might have on the investigation.

A decision was expected in the next day or so, Mr Bensemann said.

Meanwhile, the police investigation into the theft remains focused on the
Waiouru area.

Forensic examination of the museum finished yesterday and police hope to
finish their work in the museum today.

A late decision to "graphically replicate" the activities of the offender or
offenders meant police control of the museum lasted longer than expected.

Police were keeping an open mind about suspects and motive.

Police and military police continued their door-to-door questioning of local
residents, despite heavy rain this morning.

"There has been a very high level of co-operation by the persons spoken to
and a number of items of information have come out of this phase," Mr
Bensemann said.

- NZPA