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Reptile raiders are warned: They bite!
TERRAPINS were snatched in a raid on a popular Halifax visitor attraction.
Burglars seized up to 15 of the "irreplaceable" reptiles from Manor Heath Park and Jungle Experience.
Estate manager Paul Marshall discovered the break-in but only noticed the creatures were missing when he went to feed them.
He said: "Normally they come up to the surface quite quickly.
"A lot of the big ones had disappeared and there were virtually none left.
"That size they were means they are irreplaceable to us. They are up to 30 years old.
"We reckon in the region of 10 to 15 have gone."
Mr Marshall suspects the creatures may be sold as pets and issued a warning to anyone who may be approached by the thieves.
"People have to be aware they carry a lot of dangerous bacteria, very sharp, needle-like teeth and a very nasty bite – especially the bigger ones," he said.
It is feared the terrapins, which require warm conditions and plenty of UV light, may be mistreated or even killed.
Mr Marshall said: "We're worried they are not going to be cared for and they're all going to end up dead. We've looked after them all this time like our own pets. It's like someone's stolen your cat or dog. They were a great attraction to the public and we feel very saddened someone's taken them."
Police are appealing for witnesses to the raid, which happened between 4.30pm on last Friday and 8am on Saturday August 28. The raiders also tried to open a till but did not get away with any cash.
Police said: "Anyone who has any information, particularly about the whereabouts of the reptiles, should contact us."
Ring 0845 6060606.
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Weather for Halifax
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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