The surprised and grateful owner of three stolen medals has been reunited with his military honours, coincidentally on the 97th anniversary of the start of World War 1.
Yesterday, police appealed for the owner of two World War 1 medals and a coronation medal to come forward, after recovering stolen property from a teenager who had remained tight-lipped about where he got them.
The 58-year-old Dunedin owner told the Otago Daily Times the two war medals belonged to his great-grandfather and the coronation medal belonged to his father, and all were of great sentimental value.
"These are my last physical attachment to my great-grandfather. I have no photos or anything like that."
A range of collectables, including stamps, and a gold pocket watch, were taken in a burglary at his property last month, but "they missed the $560 in cash sitting there".
Following publicity, he contacted police before work yesterday morning, and was reunited with the medals later in the day.
He had not worn the the medals on Anzac Day for several years, and was not aware they had been taken in the burglary - the second at his property.
"I thought they were safe."
Senior Sergeant Mel Aitken said police were pleased to reunite the medals with the "ecstatic" owner and it served as a reminder for people to record details of their valuables.
The teenager, who was reported by his father, had since been referred to Youth Aid, Snr Sgt Aitken said.
Yesterday marked the 97th anniversary of Great Britain declaring war on Germany, after the German invasion of Belgium on August 4, 1914.
