Crocodile among 100 exotic animals stolen from pet shop

Around 100 exotic animals - including a dangerous 5ft crocodile - have been stolen in a raid on a pet shop. The dangerous, fully grown male dwarf caiman was part of a haul that included snakes and lizards taken from Stockport Pet Warehouse. Owners, Jon Bibby and Paul Williamson, who have run the store in Hallam Street, Heaviley, for five years, say the animals may not survive if they are not cared for properly.

They also fear they may have been stolen to order or are to be sold illegally. Paul said: "There have been about 100 animals taken, the most dangerous being the crocodile, but also about 50 snakes, some of which are five to six foot. Also around 40 lizards, including geckos and bearded dragons. We can obviously replace these, but they also took two birds, a cockatoo and a parakeet, which we were caring for while customers were on holiday.



"They had taught the cockatoo to talk and that is not something that can be replaced. It will be devastating for them. It is winter and the reptiles need specialised care. Without this, they will not last very long." Thieves smashed their way into the shop through the shutters between 5.30pm on Monday and 10am on Tuesday.

Paul added: "We are gutted. It is not a great start to the new year, but we have got to stay positive. We will clean up and open up as usual." Jon, who has been in the pet trade for 25 years, said: "The crocodile is a wild animal. It is dangerous, it is not something that you should handle, along with the other reptiles." Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for information.