Waikato Police are hoping that a named trio of First World War medals may help in the locating of burglars who stole firearms and other property from a rural Huntly address last weekend.
North Waikato Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Gill Meadows, said Police believe the burglary of the Te Ohaki Rd property happened on Saturday afternoon.
"Items taken include alcohol, chocolate, two luggage bags, a mobile phone, black ' Case' jacket and three firearms taken from a wooden free standing gun cabinet.
"But perhaps the most readily identifiable items taken were a First World War trio of medals; a 1914-15 Star, a British War Medal and a Victory Medal that were taken along with a silver Honourable Discharge Badge, ANZAC Gallipoli commemorative medallion and an ANZAC lapel badge."
Ms Meadows said because British Commonwealth campaign medals for service by New Zealand military personnel in the New Zealand Wars, South African War, First World War and for operations after 3 September 1945 are normally engraved, officers hope this will help identify the thieves.
"On round medals the engraving is usually on the bottom rim while on stars the engraving is on the reverse. The victim informs us that these medals are engraved with the name; 'Robert Adams' and the service number '12/1538' on them.
"The other point of interest for Police is around firearms security, particularly on rural properties which has been the focus of the Lock-em or Lose-em firearms campaign over recent months. The firearms taken in this incident were a Baikal Russian under and over double barreled shotgun (Serial No: H17594), a Ruger .22 rifle (Serial No: 22LR 357-14551) with a wooden stock, telescopic scope and silencer fitted and a Diana air rifle (Serial No 03095462)."
Ms Meadows asked anyone who may be offered medals or firearms such as the ones described to make contact with Police.
"Burglaries of any sought are upsetting but when items such as medals belonging to family members are taken, this adds additional stress to the victims when items that are possibly of very little monetary value but huge sentimental or family value are taken.
"At the same time we ask all owners of firearms to ensure their security is the best it can be and urge rural property owners, particularly dairy farmers to be mindful about home security when out on the farm occupied with milking, lambing or other activity.
"Anyone with any information on the burglary, location of the firearms or medals or the identity of the offenders is asked to contact Huntly Police on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Owners of firearms, medals, valuable electronics and tools are encouraged to record serial numbers and images of their property on the Operation SNAP (www.snap.org.nz) database website.
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