Operation Valour Reward Still Valid
New Zealand Police National News Release
24 April 2008
The Operation VALOUR reward which received a further injection of $200,000 by Lord Ashcroft on 15 April 2008 will remain
in force until 1 June 2008; this being the expiry date of the reward notice.
This reward was originally posted by the Police Commissioner Howard Broad on 17 January 2008 as a result of funds
provided by Lord Ashcroft and Nelson businessman Tom Sturgess. Lord Ashcroft put up $200,000 of that sum and Tom
Sturgess, the balance.
An undisclosed sum has since been paid out for the return of all ninety six medals stolen from the Waiouru Army Museum.
On 15 April 2008 Lord Ashcroft provided a further $200,000 to the reward fund for information leading to the
apprehension and conviction of the persons responsible for the burglary.
The officer in charge of the Operation VALOUR investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann stated "the
reward now offered is for at least $200,000."
This reward will be paid for material information or evidence, which leads to the identity and conviction of any person
or persons responsible for the burglary of the Waiouru Army Museum, and/or the subsequent receiving of any proceeds from
that burglary.
Immunity against prosecution will be considered for any accomplice, not being a principle offender, who shall first give
such information or evidence.
The Commissioner of Police will determine the amount of the reward and will, if necessary, apportion payment where there
is more than one claimant.
Six police staff continue to investigate the burglary of the Waiouru Army Museum. These staff are based out of
Taumarunui Police Station and work between Taumarunui and Auckland on a daily basis.
Detective Senior Sergeant Bensemann said that "we have made some excellent progress in recent months and we are
continuing to make good headway". " Lines of enquiry are still being identified and pursued".
"We have collected a whole volume of information which we are analysing and information is still being provided and
gathered to progress the investigation".
He further stated that the Operation VALOUR team rely on information provided by members of the public and are still
keen to hear from anyone who can assist in progressing matters.
Detective Senior Sergeant Bensemann stated that he anticipates that this latest injection of funds will give someone out
there that extra motivation to come forward and assist the Police.
ENDS