$50k reward for stolen jewels
A Taranaki family robbed of irreplaceable jewellery belonging to their late wife and mother are offering a $50,000 reward for its safe return.
The jewellery belonged to David Jennings’ wife of 63 years, Jennifer, and was taken on Tuesday afternoon in a burglary at the New Plymouth home they shared for more than 40 years.
Jennings estimates the collection, including rings and brooches that had been in Jennifer’s family for generations, to be worth about $10,000, but the family are offering five times that amount to get it back because of its emotional value.
‘‘Money speaks all languages, doesn’t it? With crooks there’s no loyalty,’’ the 84-year-old said between tears.
‘‘If you keep upping the ante someone will spill the beans, but sadly it will probably be too late. They’ve probably sold it on by now.’’
Jennifer died in May, which has made the burglary that much harder for Jennings and his three children – Ross, Kim, and Stephen Jennings, who was once considered the country’s richest man, worth about $980 million.
‘‘We were going to come together next month to decide which member of the family got what,’’ David Jennings said.
Among the stolen items were four rings – one from Jennifer’s mother, one from her grandmother, and her wedding and engagement rings.
All were insured, but Jennings said that wouldn’t compensate for the emotional harm.
As well as informing police, the family hired a private investigator in hopes of getting the items back as soon as possible.
‘‘It’s not the value of it – it’s the emotional attachment we have to it.’’ David Jennings, right, and pictured above with his late wife Jennifer.
Jennings said the thieves also took his passport, a magazine from a rifle, and bullets.
This isn’t the first time the house has been broken into. After the first burglary, about 25 years ago, Jennings had security alarms and cameras installed. However, a camera wasn’t put in the room where Tuesday’s burglary took place, and Jennings was out of the house visiting his brother when the thieves hit. The alarm was activated just before 5pm and Jennings got home at 5.10pm.
Friends of the Jennings had spotted a red sports car leaving the property, heading towards Oakura, about the time of the burglary. A police spokesperson confirmed the burglary was reported about 6.30pm on September 17 and inquiries were ongoing.
Jennings said he understood these sorts of things were down the bottom of the list as the police were busy with bigger crimes.
‘‘I just want it back. It’s not the value of it – it’s the emotional attachment we have to it,’’ he said. ‘‘You can go and buy new watches and diamond rings but it’s not the same.’’
The $50,000 reward is applicable only if the whole collection is handed over.
Anyone with information regarding the jewellery can get in touch with police.