Stolen young tortoises at danger from cold: Shortstown
(MK42 - Friday, 9 December, 2011)

Police are trying to reunite two young tortoises with their owner after they were taken from their home in Shortstown yesterday morning.

The tiny reptiles, called George and Ivy Grace, had been recently acquired by their 44-year-old owner who was caring for them as their age and size makes them unsuitable for hibernation during the winter months.

They were being kept warm in the house until opportunist thieves are believed to have entered his home through an insecure door and taken them.

DC Barry Kibble, investigating the theft said:

"These animals are between three and five inches long and cannot withstand the current cold temperatures.

"Whoever has them now will not necessarily know that they are too young to hibernate or how to keep them safely.

"I would urge anyone who knows of their whereabouts to contact us so they can be reunited with their owner."

The tortoises were taken sometime before 11.30am on Wednesday 7 December.

Their owner is very concerned for their health and is already missing his new companions.

George is about five inches long and has one purple dot on this shell while Ivy Grace is just three inches long and has two blue dots on her shell.

DC Kibble added;

"These pets are small enough to be smuggled away in someone's pocket but they do need a lot of care, particularly in this cold weather, if you know who has them, please come forward."

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Barry Kibble in confidence, on 01234 575212, , the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Bedfordshire

Address:
Shortstown
Bedford
BEDFORDSHIRE
MK42