Lost, Found or Stolen Tortoises

John Hayward is the co-Ordinator for the National Theft Register-Exotic Species

and the Security and Cites advisor for BATK.

John also complies the Lost, Found and Stolen Register nationwide and updates these on a regular basis.

John is a past Detective Inspector and Wildlife Liaison Officer, which qualifies him for this position.

He works very hard and has very good results in finding lost or stolen Tortoises or finding Tortoise's Homes when they stray.

John has nationwide contacts and an excellent relationship with police forces, which helps him do his job.

If you have lost or found or been offered a Tortoise then please contact him on:-

01869 325699 or email jh@ntr.supanet.com

Please Ensure

Tortoise Keepers must remain vigilant at all times and ensure that you keep your Tortoise safe.

Beware of Strangers and do not advertise that you have Tortoises. Regularly photograph your pets, in their home, in situ.

Fingerprint your Tortoise (see Fingerprinting section) for identification and keep your records safe and not with your Tortoise.

If you have any problems or just need advice then please phone John.

Urgent Information

For the attention of all members and for the Press and Publications:

Overnight 16th. June 2010 three Tortoises were stolen from a garden in the Dartford area of Kent.

They comprise:

1. Spur-thighed. Over 40 years of age. 9 inch carapace. Possibly blind.

2. Spur-thighed. 18 years old, 11 inch carapace, daughter of 1. above.

3. Spur-thighed. Female, second offspring of 1. above, heavier, 12 inch carapace.

We have previously suffered from other Tortoise thefts in the South East, especially in the Kent area.

All such keepers should be extra vigilant at this time.

This particular theft is devastating for the owners and rewards are offered for the safe return of the animals and any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves.

We are most concerned as to the welfare of the Tortoises who rely on their own special diet and nutritional requirements.

It must be noted that this species is subject to Annex A of CITES and cannot be sold or purchased without Article 10 certificates. If entered into trade, those responsible can suffer a most heavy fine and upwards of 5 years custodial sentence.

Any information concerning this matter and the whereabouts of the Tortoises, please call my Office, John Hayward, National Theft Register, Tel: 01869 325699, 07802 404929, email: jh@ntr.supanet.com

• Theft at the Tortoise Garden, St Austell, Devon
• Stolen on 9/10th August 2009
• 2x7yr old Indian Stars - 2x2yr old Hermanni - 1x8yr old Spur-thighed - 1xgiant Sulcata, 1xlarge Leopard - 1x redfoot - 1x yellowfoot - many hatchlings
• This is the second theft this Summer
• Please ensure that all Breeders and Keepers are very viligent
• If you think you might know where these tortoises are - then please phone John Heywood.
• He is working with the Devon and Cornwall CID.

January 31st 2009  Stolen from Buxton Derby

If you see, hear of or are offered any of these Tortoises then please contact John Hayward immediately.

July 20/21st 2008

Stolen overnight from a garden in the Portsmouth area - 3 Adult Hermann's and 3 Adult Spur-thighed Tortoises - 5 young Hermann's - 3 young Spur-thighed. Also taken 2 sleep boxes. Both species are subject to Annex A - Appendix 1 of CITES and cannot be traded legally without Article 10 licenses. Illegal trade carries a 5year prison sentence. A Substantial reward has been offered for their safe return and information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves.

11.06.08

ref: 8331/08

Uttoxeter

Found Hermann's Tortoise