Army man laments 'crime against the nation'

Colonel Raymond Seymour. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Colonel Raymond Seymour knew several of the recipients of the stolen medals, including double Victoria Cross winner "Charlie" Upham.

"This is a terrible, terrible crime, a crime against the whole nation," the tearful director of Waiouru's Army Museum said yesterday.

Colonel Seymour has been in the Army 45 years, serving in Vietnam, and called the families of the stolen medals to let them know about Sunday's heist.

He said the task was distressing, as was telling museum staff, several of whom did not know until they arrived at work yesterday morning.

"They do take it personally. We are the custodians of the nation's treasures that are held in this museum."

The theft might be international and not an "inside job", Colonel Seymour believes. "I just can't believe that any Kiwi would do such a deed."

He pleaded with the thieves to return the medals, saying they could be handed to police or even the museum.

"We need them back and the nation needs them back."