Themissinglist’s Weblog

CCTV of mobile phone snatch suspect

Can you help identify a man British Transport Police want to speak to in relation to the theft of a mobile phone on a train in Liverpool?

BTP officers have released the image of the man they believe has information about the theft which occurred at Liverpool Central Station at around 10.30pm on 26th June.

A man boarded the train, which was due to travel to Southport, and began talking to some girls on the train.

Before the train left the station the man snatched one of the girl’s mobile phones, a red Samsung Toco, and ran off through the station.

Sergeant David Rams said:

“The man was described as being white, between 18-22 years old and had a scar on the right hand side of his face.

“I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the picture, or who has information about the theft, to contact BTP immediately on 0800 40 50 40.”

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

One of ten spoons worth £20,000 spoons stolen from museum

A reward of up to £500 leading to the arrest and judicial disposal of anyone responsible for the theft of a collection of spoons from a north Devon museum is being offered by the council, insurers and theatres trust.

A collection of ten spoons, worth approximately £20,000 were stolen from a display cabinet in the Museum of North Devon, The Square, Barnstaple on Friday 31 July 2009.

The spoons, which were crafted in the town, date from the 17th century and are made of silver.

The theft took place during the day-time on Friday between 9.30am and 4.15pm when the museum was busy with holiday makers.

PC Shaunaugh Cobb said,

“The museum was busy throughout the day and we believe someone may have seen the theft taking place.

“Or maybe you were visiting the museum that day and saw someone acting suspiciously around the collection.

“This is a particular upsetting crime, particularly for the staff and volunteers at the museum, and this thief has taken a little piece of history away from the residents of Barnstaple.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact the police to help us return the items so that everyone can enjoy them in their rightful place.”

Alison Mills, Development Manager at the museum, said,

“These spoons were generously donated to the museum by a local man so that everyone could appreciate their beauty and the skills of Barnstaple craftsmen.

“It’s really upsetting that we can no longer use them to help the many local schoolchildren who visit to learn how wealthy and important Barnstaple was in the 17th century – these are the only examples of Barnstaple silver in our collections.”

Anyone with any information regarding the theft is asked to call Devon and Cornwall Police on 08452 777444.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Zeus, a 7 stone Sulcata tortoise has been stolen

I try to stay dispassionate, but sometimes it’s difficult…

Zeus, a 7 stone Sulcata tortoise has been stolen during a burglary at The Tortoise Garden at Sticker, near St Austell.

He was stolen along with over 20 other tortoises in a burglary at sanctuary between Sunday night (9 August 2009) and Monday morning (10 August 2009).

The offenders forced their way into a number of locked enclosures and stole Zeus along with Margis, Leopard, Spur, Redfoot and Yellowfoot tortoises.

Other tortoises had been stolen from their pens earlier on the Sunday, probably by a visitor who went to the garden which is open to the public.

On that occasion five tortoises – 2 Hermans, 1 male juvenile Spur and 2 Indian Stars were stolen.

The owner of the tortoise garden, Joy Bloor said,

“I am absolutely devastated that the tortoises have been stolen.

“Many of them are tropical tortoises which means that they will suffer if they are not kept in the right conditions.”

John Hayward, the co-ordinator of the national theft register for exotic animals, who are security advisors for zoos and animal associations said,

“A number of different species were stolen, many of which are on the most endangered species list.

“Those particularly animals referred to, especially the Hermann’s and the Spur-thighed tortoises can only be sold or purchased under licence.

“Because of their rarity it is illegal to offer such species into trade and it is a most serious offence which can carry upwards of 5 year in prison.

“It is not the actual monetary value. Our main concern is the welfare of these tortoises that have special dietary requirement.

“Additionally as a result of the action of the thieves vital breeding programmes have been destroyed.”

Anyone with any information regarding the stolen tortoises is asked to call John Hayward of the national register for animals 07802 404 929 who is in direct contact with St Austell CID.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.