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BURY FREE PRESS (UK) 30 August 06 Bring back our pet Chewbacca
A couple have told how they are unable to sleep at night after a thief stole their beloved pet tortoise.
Chewbacca – named after the hairy Star Wars character – disappeared from John and Josey Wingrove's home in Everard Close, Bury St Edmunds, during Sunday night.
Mr Wingrove said: "We haven't slept since he has gone. We had him 38 years – it's a lifetime and somebody has got the nerve to come into my yard and nick him.
"We shouldn't have to put a tortoise in the shed overnight. Why anybody would do this I don't know. It has made us both upset – it's terrible."
The Wingroves said they had checked the back gate was firmly shut each night to ensure Chewbacca did not wander off.
A horrified Mrs Wingrove discovered the garden gate wide open and her tortoise gone on Monday morning.
They have since reported the matter to the police in the hope that they may get their pet – bought for three guineas – back.
"I'm gutted Chewbacca has gone. He was like part of the family and I don't know what I will tell my grandchildren because they loved playing with him.
"You do hear of pets being stolen to order and I hope that hasn't happened to him," said Mrs Wingrove.
A spokeswoman for the police said: "It is the first time I have heard of a tortoise being stolen. Incidents such as these are very rare and the owner has been left very upset by the loss of her tortoise.
"We would appeal for anybody who has any information to call us."
Chewbacca is described as having a dark shell and a small scar on his head.
Anyone with information on his disappearance can call Bury Police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Bring back our pet Chewbacca

that's terrible.

i wish that there were stricter laws/punishments about pet theft. it's not anything like property theft -- more like kidnapping in so many cases, because these animals are much-loved members of families.

i hope that they are able to safely recoved him!