UK Press: Register beats Tortoise Thieves

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Wes von Papine�u on December 30, 2000 at 11:00:00:

THE NEWS (Portsmouth, UK) 30 December 00 Register beats Tortoise Thieves
Tortoise owners are turning to the internet and a new 'fingerprinting' scheme to combat a rise in thefts.
Hampshire has the highest number of tortoise thefts in the UK, accounting for 10 per cent of all such incidents.
Now the British Chelonia Group has enlisted former Thames Valley policeman John Hayward to launch the finger- printing scheme to tackle the menace.
The scheme involves a register of photographs of the undersides - or plastrons - of the gentle animals which are as unique as human fingerprints. Lists and details of the often expensive stolen pets will appear on the BCG website and will then be investigated by Mr Hayward.
He said: 'After drugs, the trade in endangered species such as certain tortoises is the biggest in the world. The thieves of these tortoises are very highly organised professionals as they can be worth �200 or �300.
'The biggest problem in recovery is the identification of lost, found or stolen tortoises. You can't put a ring around them or a hole in their shell so we recommend all owners enter the scheme.'

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: THE NEWS (Portsmouth, UK) 30 December 00 Register beats Tortoise Thieves : Tortoise owners are turning to the internet and a new 'fingerprinting' scheme to combat a rise in thefts. : Hampshire has the highest number of tortoise thefts in the UK, accounting for 10 per cent of all such incidents. : Now the British Chelonia Group has enlisted former Thames Valley policeman John Hayward to launch the finger- printing scheme to tackle the menace. : The scheme involves a register of photographs of the undersides - or plastrons - of the gentle animals which are as unique as human fingerprints. Lists and details of the often expensive stolen pets will appear on the BCG website and will then be investigated by Mr Hayward. : He said: 'After drugs, the trade in endangered species such as certain tortoises is the biggest in the world. The thieves of these tortoises are very highly organised professionals as they can be worth �200 or �300. : 'The biggest problem in recovery is the identification of lost, found or stolen tortoises. You can't put a ring around them or a hole in their shell so we recommend all owners enter the scheme.'

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]