Burglars bag haul with bite
6:00am Wednesday 10th October 2007
Burglars may have bitten off more than they can chew after raiding a reptile house and stealing a venomous snake and a boa constrictor.
About £3,500 worth of reptiles were stolen from Shirley Aquatics in Yarnton on Sunday night.
The burglars stole up to 15 snakes, including a venomous Western Hognose, and also grabbed 12 tame Bearded Dragons.
Three tortoises - including two being treated for an eye infection - were also stolen in the raid.
This latest break-in comes only four months after burglars stole an estimated £5,000 worth of corals, tropical fish and rare clams from the same centre.
Reptile manager Todd Coleman said: "There is a part of me which hopes they get bitten by one of them.
"I don't think the Western Hognose is particularly deadly but it will hurt a bit if they get their rear fangs into you."
It is believed most of the reptiles were stolen to order as most of the animals taken are popular as pets.
Staff discovered the break-in on Monday morning.
The raiders forced their way in and used screwdrivers to open the glass cabinets. The burglars also stole reptile food, including frozen mice and chicks.
A failed attempt was also made to get into the mammal house.
Most of the stolen snakes were under three months old and had yet to grow more than a foot long.
It is estimated the snakes could cost more than £1,500 if they were sold.
The stolen snakes include a venomous Western Hognose, a Brazilian Rainbow boa constrictor which can grow up to nine feet long, various types of cornsnakes, king snakes and milk snakes, including a £250 Albino Nelson.
The three adult and nine young Bearded Dragons can cost up to £1,000.
Two of the three missing tortoises were being cared for by staff because they had eye infections.
Mr Coleman added: "I expect they are going to die if they don't get the same treatment as they got here.
"It's difficult for me because I'm the guy employed to look after the animals and give knowledge for customers.
"I'm worried about where they've gone and what's happening to them and whether they're being kept safe or sold on."
Police believe the burglars broke in at about 11pm on Sunday.
They are believed to have used a vehicle to transport the reptiles.
Staff have contacted local reptile centres with a list of the stolen creatures warning them to be on the lookout.
Six months ago, burglars raided CK Aquatics in South Hinksey, stealing about £8,000 worth of rare fish.
No-one connected with the burglary has been caught.
Police said they were keeping an open mind over possible links.
Anyone with information, or witnesses to the burglary, should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.