Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

JStroud · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:45 pm Post subject: Ball Pythons Stolen From Shed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/4698564.stm

Pythons stolen from garden shed

The pythons were kept in artificially warm conditions
Police are hunting thieves who have taken 22 young python snakes from a reptile breeder's garden shed.

The snakes, described as "gentle" and no threat to people, were grabbed from a house in Birchgrove, Swansea.

The royal or ball pythons, measuring 18in to 2ft (45-60cm) in length, were kept in 14 boxes with lockable lids.

The owner has said the African snakes could die within a week if they were not kept in an environment with a temperature above 90F (32C).

The creatures and the boxes containing them were taken in the break-in, reported at around 1820 GMT on Wednesday evening.

The reptile breeder was breeding the snakes to be domestic pets. The snakes were described as "only half grown".

In a statement, South Wales Police said: "These snakes were bred specially as domestic pets and are harmless to human beings.

"Once fully developed, they can reach an average length of 3ft-3.5ft [91-106cm]."

The containers were described as translucent toy boxes.
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Regards James Stroud

Mememe · Site Moderator Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 2141

That's terrible , scumbags,

Sadly, all the snakes will probably end up dead.

At least they didn't describe the pythons as man-eating monsters though.
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JStroud · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:04 pm Post subject:

Twenty ball pythons being stolen from a shed, would guess more then likely they wouldn't end up dead. The article didn't say what morph they were and definately didn't state their price...
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Regards James Stroud

Peter Parrot · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:07 pm Post subject:

I know the person concerned, lives near me. Scum bags Sad

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Stuart · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:45 pm Post subject:

As James said I very much doubt they will end up dead..just rehomed as it were..
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Peter Parrot · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:58 pm Post subject:

Probably out of the area already. The chap who bred them has some interesting colour morphs and is a decent guy so if anyone gets offered anything, please PM me, cheers
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YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

zarozinia · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 1:46 pm Post subject:

Oh thats awful, Im hoping its not DD, he is such a nice guy.
Our shop is located in Bristol and we will most certainly keep our ears open and contact him if we hear any thing.
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Scott W · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 2:41 pm Post subject:

Does make you think about your own collections when something like this happens.

That is one of the reasons I can't afford to let people visit me Sad

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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

Rickeezee · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 9:30 am Post subject:

The whole saga of having animals stolen is very sad whether they be breeding stock or pets.

From reading the previous posts it sounds like they have been nicked to order. In which case it is unlikely they will resurface.

I have been told, that quite often if the thief (s) are pros they work from a list of what will be where and at what times, and they usualy have some info on owners routines, where stuff is kept and so on. e.g. motorcycle theft, car theft, pedigree dog theft etc.

Not saying this is the case with the snakes that have been stolen, but it is unlikely that your gonna see 20 advertised for sale all in one go, and the thief (s) will know they will have to be shifted quick! So perhaps nicked to order. In turn if this is the case where are they going, no one would have 20 of them as just pets? Does this suggest there are unscroupulous people in the trade out there? Don't misunderstand this please, I am not accusing anyone of anything, just raising a thought.

Don't get me wrong not trying to whip up a hornets nest but it does make you think. A lot of high end cars etc end up abroad stolen to order same with heavy plant etc. If they can get that out of the country 20 snakes would not be an issue.

Out of interest can snakes be chipped? Or indeed other reptiles etc?

I think Scott is wise not letting anyone view his collection or visit. If it is organised crime then they are getting their info from somewhere, all it would take is a call from a potential purchaser who comes and looks around, yep will have this that etc, will get back to you when I have the dosh / housing sorted, bang yer nailed! At the same time they have eyed up your security.

Animal theft has risen dramatically over the past few years, there are also suggestions that some of the thefts might be protester / animal rights / factions, obviously not all but maybe some of the more extreme elements that are involved.

So sadly security is a big issue for the pet owner and the breeder alike.

Makes you consider upping your security arrangements. Sorry to be gloomy but this sort of thing drives the reality home.

Rick
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Martinh · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 6:42 pm Post subject:

Im inclined to agree with rick, 18:20 does seem very early for a run of the mill break in. The probably knew what they were looking for, not that it makes any difference, theyre still scum bags!

its a shame
Martin