Reptilian thieves are currently on the run with this huge lifelike Tyrannosaurus Rex, pinched from outside a home today in Whiston.
The massive and unmistakable model was in the back of a white Ford Luton van, along with a smaller Triceratops, at around 2am this morning, which was stolen by crooks.
The animatronic dinosaur, which performers climb inside to operate, which rolls its eyes and makes realistic roaring sounds, belongs to Lisa Watson, who runs her own business call Lucas Sophia.
The 35-year-old is a party supplier and she also had stolen a wooden wishing well, 4ft letters spelling out "LOVE", an Easter bunny costume, and a sweet cart, which are sometimes hired for weddings or other special occasions.
The three yobs, who had their hoods up, were captured on a neighbour's CCTV, trying to open other vehicle doors, before they broke into the van, and sped away.
It was last seen travelling towards the M62 motorway, at Tarbock Island.
According to Lisa, police have been informed and suspect the van could have ended up in Speke.
The dinosaur, which was shipped over from China, costs £6,000, while the van, with the reg-plate MJ11 YSU, is valued at just under £10,000.
The dinosaur was a stand-out performer in the Brasilica Liverpool carnival this year.
Mrs Watson told the ECHO: "I am obviously upset this was all taken.
"They are hard to replace.
"The dinosaur is pretty big, so I would think it would be hard to keep him hidden!
"Those lads must have got a shock when they saw what we had in the back of the van.
"There wasn't much fuel in the tank, so they couldn't have got far.
"I'm gutted - it all cost a hell of a lot."
A Christmas present bought for Mrs Watson's autistic nephew was also pilfered.
