A masked man allegedly armed with a knife is said to have stolen a pet tortoise during a burglary in Co Down.
The thief also reportedly took medals of sentimental value from the property in Strangford.
Police say they received reports on Thursday morning that a man was awoken by an intruder inside his property, who was believed to be armed with a knife.
After being confronted, it is understood he fled the house with a number of items, including medals and the homeowners pet Horsfield's tortoise Raffy.
A number of the items were later recovered a short distance away, but the medals and the tortoise remain missing.
Detective Sergeant Ritchie said: "A number of items stolen from the property were recovered a short distance away. However, the medals and the householder’s pet tortoise remain missing. The victim is understandably upset and concerned that the tortoise, which requires specialist knowledge and care, may come to harm.
"I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to get in touch with us. I would also ask that anyone who comes across the tortoise, or the medals reported stolen, to call us on 101."
http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
