Two rare tortoises stolen from Telford garden
Thursday 18th August 2011, 11:29AM BST.
Two rare tortoises worth hundreds of pounds have been snatched from a Shropshire family’s back garden in separate raids.
Grandmother Pat Parkes said the thieves had stolen the Hermann’s tortoises from her garden in Ketley Bank, Telford, on July 31 and August 11.
The 51-year-old, of Ryebank Road, was due to give Fi-Fi and Marley to her grandchildren after raising the tortoises for almost two years.
New hatchlings sell for around £120, but fully grown adults can fetch in excess of £250.
“My grandchildren are very upset and I’m appealing for anyone with information to come forward,” said Mrs Parkes.
“They were kept in an open enclosure but could not have escaped. Whoever stole Marley in July came back and got Fi-Fi last Thursday.
“I’m worried that whoever stole them is not looking after them correctly, or has sold them on to an unsuspecting person.
“They have very distinctive markings and are very small. Marley is four inches long and Fi-Fi three.”
Endangered
John Hayward, national co-ordinator for the National Theft Register of Exotic Pets, said whoever stole the tortoises, which are native throughout southern Europe, may be in line for a hefty prison sentence.
He said: “These Hermann’s are classed as an endangered species and cannot be bought or sold without a licence being issued by Government.
“If anyone is caught with the tortoises without a licence they could face up to five years in prison.
“This includes both the purchaser and vendor. Mrs Perks is not concerned about the value of the tortoises, but she is concerned they will not be cared for in the right way or maybe sold to someone who is unaware of the regulations.”
Mr Hayward added Hermann’s are an endangered species in the wild despite being sold in pet shops.
Information to Mr Hayward on 07802 404929 or police on 0300 333 3000.
Most Commented
- Clampdown on Shrewsbury chuggers
- Bishop's gay marriage views do nothing to support bible teachings
- Letter: Alcohol price plans annoy me
- Planners ordered to stay on Newport visit bus
- Letter: Angered by close encounter of the furred kind
- Letter: No sense in overseas job adverts
- The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff doesn't raise a smile
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
