Shop owner devastated after tortoises theft

8:59am Wednesday 13th December 2006

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A PET shop owner is shutting up shop after the trauma of a burglary during which 13 rare tortoises were stolen.

The tortoises, worth more than £3,500, were taken from Scales and Tails pet shop, in The Avenue, Lasham, on the evening of November 26.

Following a television appeal for their safe return, the police received an anonymous phone call saying that nine of the rare tortoises had been left in a telephone box, in Eastrop Way, Basingstoke.

Pet shop owner Graham Abbott said he is grateful to the police for retrieving the animals, but added the whole drama has prompted him to decide to close up.

Mr Abbott thinks that the tortoises were not looked after or fed after they were taken. One tortoise suffered a broken shell while another lost its tail.

Mr Abbott, of Basingstoke, said: "At least now they have got some veterinary care.

"I didn't know whether they would survive - they were far from being in good health. They are rehydrated now and have had the necessary operations, so they are looking like they are going to pull through."

He added: "Whoever took them obviously showed that they can't care for these tortoises, so I hope they give the other four back before their health deteriorates as well."

The tortoises must be kept in a specialist environment and Mr Abbott does not think that the other four will survive without this.

The dad-of-two said: "They need special heating, lighting and they can't just be fed any sort of food. Basically, I fear for their lives."

Three of the animals still missing are leopard tortoises and one is a Hermann's tortoise. They have been microchipped and it is illegal to own a tortoise without the appropriate paperwork, which Mr Abbott has.

Pc Tony Ilic said: "I would like to appeal to anyone who is offered a rare tortoise for sale to contact the police immediately."

The pet shop has been open for just seven months, but Mr Abbott, 31, said that it would close on Sunday, December 10.

The stress of the burglary took its toll on Mr Abbott, who was rushed to hospital after collapsing.

He said: "I am going to have to shut the shop as I can't afford to carry on after this - it couldn't be much worse really."

Anyone with any information which could help the police inquiry should contact Pc Ilic, at Whitchurch police station, on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.