METRO (London, UK) 22 November 07 Tortoises go on the run... in Wales

It could be the slowest getaway in history.

A gang of tortoises have been set loose from a pet shop in the town of Gorseinon in Wales.

Police suspect the animals were stolen in a break-in, but it is not yet clear if the tortoises are using the burglary as a clever cover.

The Hermann tortoises went missing after a raid at the Pet and Aquatic Centre last week. A stash of tortoise food has also disappeared, as well as cash and two laptop computers.

Police do not believe the tortoises took the laptops.

The animals, which have a distinctive black and yellow shell, are about a year old.

It is feared they could die if they are not returned to the shop. Tortoises require ultra violet light and a heat lamp to survive.

They cost £150 each but could be worth £600 when fully grown.

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=76693&in_page_id=2



EVENING POST (Swansea, UK) 22 November 07 Tortoises' Speedy Heist (Neil Gibson)

They may not be known for their speed, but six tortoises have been involved in a quick getaway.And police are hoping for a fast response to their appeal to track down the creatures which were stolen in a break-in at a Gorseinon pet shop.

Experts have also warned that the animals - each worth up to £600 when fully grown - could die if not cared for in the right way and that anyone who owns one without a licence could end up behind bars.

Nigel Worth, who runs the shop, said: "Because of their age they would normally be kept under ultraviolet light to keep them warm.

"But if they are not looked after properly or are outdoors at this time of year, they could die."

The young Hermann tortoises were taken in a raid at the Pet and Aquatic Centre on Brighton Road in the early hours of last Thursday.

The burglars also made off with tortoise food, cash and two laptop computers.

The animals, which have distinctive black and yellow patterned shells, are around a year old.

Ann Ovenstone, secretary of the International Tortoise Association, echoed Mr Worth's fears about the creatures' survival chances.

"They need to be looked after properly in a vivarium, with ultraviolet light and a heat lamp," she said.

"What many people don't realise is that tortoises like these come from central Europe and need heat of 30 degrees before they become active.

"However, because they are cold-blooded, if they don't get it, they won't eat and will eventually die."

Mrs Ovenstone also warned that anyone who gets their hands on one of the animals could be in for a shock.

"They are licensed by Defra and people who have a tortoise like this need a licence.

"People who own older tortoises don't need to worry because the convention was introduced after they hatched.

"But if people are found without a licence they can get a seven-year jail sentence and an unlimited fine."

Despite these restrictions, the money which can be made from selling tortoises has created a lucrative black market in their trade.

"When they are small they sell for around £150," Mrs Ovenstone said.

"But as they get older, and are able to breed, they can sell for between £500 and £600, so it can be quite a money-maker for anyone who has one."

Police are asking people to keep an eye out for the animals.

"We would ask anyone who has been offered a tortoise, or who may know where they are, to get in touch with us," said Constable Pauline Nicholas, of Gorseinon police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01792 456999.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=161818&command=displayContent&sourceNode=161644&contentPK=19037226&folderPk=88499&pNodeId=161375

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