Man steals two tortoises from Lancashire pet shop, owner warns of care needs
A man stole two tortoises from Preston Exotic Pets in Lancashire on 6 October, with CCTV footage showing him putting one in his coat pocket around 1pm. The theft has alarmed the shop owner because the reptiles require specialist heating and ultraviolet lighting to survive, and without proper care they will become dehydrated and starve.
Shop owner Luke Jarvis, 43, said the man had taken one tortoise earlier and was captured on camera stealing another. The incident marks the third shoplifting case at the shop since it opened on Fylde Road in Ashton-on-Ribble in March; the two previous thefts involved stock items rather than live animals. Lancashire Police are investigating and have asked anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting log 0591 of 8 October.
- Man caught on CCTV stealing tortoise from Lancashire pet shop
- Reptiles need specialist care to survive; shop fears for their welfare
- Police investigation ongoing; shop experienced three thefts since March
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A man stole two tortoises from a pet shop in Preston, Lancashire, on 6 October. The theft was captured on CCTV footage.
The incident has raised concerns about the animals' welfare because tortoises require specialist care to survive. They need specific heating and ultraviolet lighting, and without proper conditions they will become dehydrated and starve.
This is the third shoplifting incident at Preston Exotic Pets since it opened in March, though the previous two thefts involved shop stock rather than living animals. Lancashire Police are investigating.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Moment thief steals tortoise from pet shop after picking it up and stuffing it into his coat pocket”.