Hunt on for two over attempt to sell war medals

Police have released security footage of two people they want to speak to over Vietnam War medals that were stolen in a Heathcote house burglary.

The photo shows a man and a woman at Chalon Stamps in Gloucester St where they allegedly tried to sell the medals. Anyone who recognises the duo should phone Detective Mike Ford on 378 0200.

The medals are back with their owner - Australian Reg Meffert - who was awarded them for his service in the war. Last week The Star revealed how Chalon Stamps owner Peter Whittaker's quick thinking managed to retrieve all the stolen medals.

Mr Meffert, 63, and his partner had phoned the store, and others in Christchurch, only a few hours earlier on the chance someone would try and sell them.

When the couple in the photo allegedly showed Mr Whittaker some of the medals, he asked if there were more.

They then went to their car and got the rest, at which point Mr Whittaker grabbed them, said they were stolen and said he was calling the police. The pair took off in their car.

Mr Meffert brought his medals on his holiday to Christchurch so he could wear them marching at an Anzac parade with his partner's son, who is in the New Zealand Air Force. They marched together at the Sumner service.

Mr Meffert served in Vietnam for about a year and is now a country singer based in Regency Downs - between Brisbane and Toowoomba.

He and his partner, a former Christchurch woman, tour Australia as the duo 'Cross Country'.