Dozens of high-value exotic animals have been stolen from a Motherwell pet shop, with fears they could suffer in the cold weather if they are not looked after properly.
Police have launched an investigation into the theft that saw 15 tortoises valued at around £125 each, three geckos valued at £50 each and two orchid mantises valued at £22 each taken from the shop.
The animals were taken overnight from the premises in Albert Street between Friday, December 11, and Saturday, December 12.
Police Scotland is now appealing for anyone with information about the thefts to come forward.
Inspector Hugh Burns said: “This would appear to have been a deliberate and targeted act. We need to find these animals as soon as possible as they could suffer harm or even die due to being away from their normal, warm environment.
“I would appeal to anyone who has been offered these animals or who knows anything about them being offered for sale to get in touch.
Likewise if anyone saw anything suspicious in the area then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1176 of Saturday, 12 December, 2020, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
