nick
May 23rd, 2010, 02:52 AM
Tortoise owners are being advised to install CCTV systems and alarms triggered by infrared motion sensors following a 50 per cent leap in thefts of the pets.
Stolen tortoises can fetch up to £6,000 on the black market after strict environmental laws protecting the species made them harder to buy legally.
Most thefts occur in summer when the creatures are roaming in gardens. John Hayward, who runs the National Theft Register for stolen animals, dealt with 44 cases last year, up from 29 the year before.
Mr Hayward said owners should consider protecting their animals by taking detailed pictures, microchipping them and installing CCTV or infrared cameras in gardens.
He said: "Many people do not even consider they would need to take these actions, but they make a massive difference.
"Most people who simply love their own animal do not realise that tortoises are targeted by thieves. But the CCTV and infrared will stop people trespassing, and the picture and microchipping will help us track them down.
Full story here (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7754150/Lock-up-your-tortoises-and-watch-them-with-CCTV.html)
Stolen tortoises can fetch up to £6,000 on the black market after strict environmental laws protecting the species made them harder to buy legally.
Most thefts occur in summer when the creatures are roaming in gardens. John Hayward, who runs the National Theft Register for stolen animals, dealt with 44 cases last year, up from 29 the year before.
Mr Hayward said owners should consider protecting their animals by taking detailed pictures, microchipping them and installing CCTV or infrared cameras in gardens.
He said: "Many people do not even consider they would need to take these actions, but they make a massive difference.
"Most people who simply love their own animal do not realise that tortoises are targeted by thieves. But the CCTV and infrared will stop people trespassing, and the picture and microchipping will help us track them down.
Full story here (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7754150/Lock-up-your-tortoises-and-watch-them-with-CCTV.html)