NEWS & STAR (Carlisle, UK) 02 July 08 Staff stunned as second tortoise stolen from pet shop (Linzi Watson)
A pet shop in Carlisle has installed CCTV after a spate of tortoise thefts.
One of the Horsefield miniature tortoises – which are worth £125 each – was stolen from Nixon’s Pet Shop on Bank Street this week.
Thieves forced open the reptile’s tank early on Monday afternoon.
This is the second time a tortoise of the breed has been taken from the shop after one went missing in April. Then, the baby tortoise, which had one eye, was eventually returned.
Staff are now very concerned about the second missing tortoise, which is just one year old and requires special care.
Horsefield tortoises can grow to a foot long and live for up to 50 years.
Manager Julie Tyler said: “Stealing an animal is just so low.
“We are really worried about it, who has it and whether or not they are caring for it properly.
“They cannot just be kept in a cardboard box and must be housed in heated tanks with UV lights.”
The tortoise was kept in a tank in a small section of the shop off from the main floor. Julie added: “The people who have taken the tortoise have clearly lifted the tank and ripped a piece of metal from the top because all cages are locked.
“It is really heavy and they have clearly gone to a lot of effort.”
CCTV cameras now cover the area and staff are on heightened alert.
Police urged anyone with any information to contact them. A spokesman said: “This animal requires special care and should be returned to the store.”
Anyone with information should call 0845 33 00 247.
Staff stunned as second tortoise stolen from pet shop