stolen 2yr old marginated tortoise

[Chrissie]

We are devastated that out baby tortoise, Socrates has been stolen from our gardenin Benfleet in Essex. The garden is fully enclosed, the gate was locked and the tortoises were in a secure enclosure. Someone has presumably come in over the fence and not realised there were 2 tortoises there for which I am very grateful. The police are taking me seriously but say there is very little chance we will see him again. He has a light patch on his shell which makes him very distinctive to me. This is at the back of the rear central 'panel' on his back. I have been ringing around the petshops to let them know and of course whoever has him doesn't have a certificate, I don't know if these are ever forged? Can anyone advise me on what else we should be doing? I am desperate to get him back, he is a much loved family pet and I have 2 children who are also devastated. Because of this happening I don't feel that we can keep Homer safe and I'm afraid that whoever took him may realise there is a second tortoise and come back so we have had to let him go to a friend who has a tortoise. If anyone can offer any advice at all I would be so grateful.

Thank you all, Chrissie

[TortBabe]

I feel so sad for you, have everything crossed that he will be found xx

[tortydat]

Have you contacted John Hayward from the National Theft Register on 01869 325699 or jh@ntr.supanet.com as he is very helpful?

Good luck and hope that you get your tortoise back.

Mary

[burnt toast]

Hi Chrissie this is so sad. I do hope you get him back. You could make vets surgeries aware & ask them to keep their eyes open. Check tortoise website for sale adds: slowcoach, preloved, pets 4 homes, gumtree, pets classifieds RFUK, reptile trader etc. You regularly see tortoise's for sale on all these sites. What about trying to get it in the local press? obviously no photo's or exact address. Also a tip I once heard was to say it was half way through a course of expensive treatment - A thief probably wouldnt want the hassle of expensive vets bills. Cant think what else to suggest but good luck
Lynn

[lesley hogg]

Hi Chrissie
sorry to hear you bad news i am not that far from you buckhurst hill near epping
so will put the word out down this end of essex
Keep a eye on websites that sell Tortoise's IE preloved pets4homes ect
someone I know had a adult tortiose taken from South Ockendon ( not that far from you) last year and is was then on sale a couple of weeks later for a silly cheap price
and the Torts had some shell damaged so it was the same one
fingers crossed for you Les

[clanks76]

Aw thinking of you, hope you have a safe return soon x

[EquestrianBabe]

Aww, poor little tort I hope he comes home safe and soundd

[SeeShell]

Really, really to hear that. Probably not much to add to the advice others have given. Keeping everything crossed that you get him back soon.
SS

[Aliza]

Thats so sad, I wish it a safe return...

[justmeandmytortoise]

So sorry to hear about this. Do contact your local police wildlife crime officer as they are concentrating on tortoise thefts etc this year. I will try and find out who your local wildlife crime offcier is if you would like me to (PM me if you would like me to). Good luck.