Tortoise theft from St Austell

Zeus, a 7 stone Sulcata tortoise has been stolen during a burglary at The Tortoise Garden at Sticker, near St Austell.
He was stolen along with over 20 other tortoises in a burglary at sanctuary between Sunday night (9 August 2009) and Monday morning (10 August 2009).
The offenders forced their way into a number of locked enclosures and stole Zeus along with Margis, Leopard, Spur, Redfoot and Yellowfoot tortoises.
Other tortoises had been stolen from their pens earlier on the Sunday, probably by a visitor who went to the garden which is open to the public. On that occasion five tortoises – 2 Hermans, 1 male juvenile Spur and two Indian Stars were stolen.
The owner of the tortoise garden, Joy Bloor said, "I am absolutely devastated that the tortoises have been stolen.
"Many of them are tropical tortoises which means that they will suffer if they are not kept in the right conditions."
John Hayward, the co-ordinator of the national theft register for exotic animals, who are security advisors for zoos and animal associations said, "A number of different species were stolen, many of which are on the most endangered species list.
"Those particularly animals referred to, especially the Hermann’s and the Spur-thighed tortoises can only be sold or purchased under licence. Because of their rarity it is illegal to offer such species into trade and it is a most serious offence which can carry upwards of 5 year in prison.
"It is not the actual monetary value. Our main concern is the welfare of these tortoises that have special dietary requirement. Additionally as a result of the action of the thieves vital breeding programmes have been destroyed."
Anyone with any information regarding the stolen tortoises is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference GA/09/2255 or John Hayward of the national register for animals 07802 404 929 who is in direct contact with St Austell CID

(Reproduced from thisisthewestcountry.co.uk 10th August)

GARDIEN TIP: Clealry there is a spate of Tortoise thefts at the moment and all owners should take extra care, especially if they are rare. Specific advice about looking after Tortoises can be found at http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/145.asp while more general advice about keeping people out of your property and surroundings can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk