£100,000 Of Stuffed Animals Stolen


Detectives appeal for help after theft from Wandsworth warehouse

Detectives from Wandsworth are appealing for the public's help to find the items, which were taken from a taxidermy warehouse in Wandsworth on Tuesday, 1 March between 19:20hrs and 19:41hrs and include lions, a giraffe, a zebra, a sloth and a chimpanzee in a top hat.

The thieves arrived in a Luton van with a grey cab and white body and used angle grinders to force their way into the premises.

They then made off with antiques including a globe plus 18 stuffed animals. The retail value of the items is around £100,000.

Detective Constable Edward Bird said:
"This was not a random crime, the burglars had came prepared and well equipped. This was a criminal enterprise and these thieves need to be stopped before they commit further crimes.

"The items they stole are of high value and are very distinctive. I am appealing for anyone with information to contact police, in particular I would ask anyone who deals in such animals to be on the look-out and contact police immediately if you are offered any of the stolen items."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. Please quote reference 304644/16.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you do not want to give your name.

March 9, 2016