EXPENSIVE reptiles have been stolen from a Worcester pet shop.

Thieves broke through the roof into Worcester Reptiles, Lowesmoor, some time between 5.30pm on Wednesday and 8.45am yesterday and took six animals – a python, three tortoises and two chameleons.

Shocked owner Nathan Jones fears the animals, worth a total of £1,330, could die if not treated properly.

He said: “It’s just such a shock because you don’t expect people to steal animals, especially ones that require specialist care.

“One of the chameleons was a pregnant female and there’s a good chance she will lose her babies.”

Police believe the culprits used reptile tanks called faunariums to carry the Het Axanthic royal python, worth £300, two Hermanns tortoises, £160 each; a Spurthighed tortoise, £300; and two Jackson chameleons, £220 each.

Five of the glass tanks, along with ultraviolet lighting units valued at more than £200, were taken during the raid, PC Dave Austin, of West Mercia police, has appealed for anyone who saw something suspicious or has information about the stolen reptiles to come forward. He said: “Obviously the main concern is for the welfare of the reptiles.

“If they are not kept in the correct environment they will die.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may be offered one of these animals for sale under unusual circumstances.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0300 3333000, quoting 139/S/ 120209, or Crimestoppers.