Update - Operation Valour

New Zealand Police National News Release

5 December 2007

The scene examination of the Army Museum at Waiouru has been mainly completed today. The Forensic Scientists from the ESR who have assisted the Police with this phase of our enquiry will be returning to Wellington with some of the exhibits located for further forensic examination.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris BENSEMANN, the Officer in Charge of the enquiry said that a number of useful pieces of information had been located during the forensic examination of the scene, which will be evaluated as to their relevance to our enquiry. He said that the recovered CCTV footage from the scene had been helpful.

The current main focus of the enquiry is the house-to-house canvass of the Waiouru township and Army Camp. The aim of this phase is to identify and speak to all persons who were in Waiouru on Saturday night/Sunday morning to ascertain if they saw or heard anything suspicious or have any information which may assist the Police enquiry to locate the stolen medals and apprehend the offender/s. The New Zealand Army have kindly seconded 20 Military Police Officers to assist in this phase of the Police enquiry so that it can be completed in a timely manner.

Detective Sergeant BENSEMANN said that he believed that there must be someone in the area who had information which would help solve this crime.

Photographs of the stolen medals and biographic details of the recipients will be placed on the Police Internet site later today.

The 0800 information line, 0800VALOUR, has been used by members of the public to pass on information to the enquiry team which has grown to 40 police officers. The enquiry base in the Waiouru Military Camp environs has been provided by the New Zealand Army which is also providing accommodation, meals and other services to the Investigation Team.

Detective Senior Sergeant BENSEMANN said that the level of co-operation by the New Zealand Army and the Museum employees had been outstanding and was a great example of organisations working together to achieve a common goal.

ENDS

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