THIEVES who stole reptiles including a boa constrictor snake from a garden centre are being hunted by police.
Twelve snakes and lizards worth up to a total of £1,500 were taken from Waterways Garden Centre on Holt Road, Wrexham.
Managing director Paul Buxton said he believed the cold-blooded creatures were stolen to order because the thieves knew exactly what they were looking for.
He said: “It’s very distressing. We have had wildlife here for about three years and never before have any been stolen.
“But those responsible knew what they were doing – they knew what they were after which means they probably visited us in opening hours at some point.
“That is the most hurtful thing – that we will have talked to these people and given them information.”
Mr Buxton arrived at the scene within minutes of the alarm sounding at about 1am on Wednesday, but there was no sign of the thieves or the stolen animals.
The most expensive reptile taken was a rare albino boa constrictor, worth £550.
At the moment it is about 4ft in length, but will eventually grow to about 12ft when fully mature.
Also stolen was a baby royal python and baby pastel royal python, which will both grow to 5ft in length, a male and female mountain horned dragon, a water dragon and six baby bearded dragons.
Mr Buxton said: “The animals that were taken were very specialist and anyone who took them would have known how to pick them up.
“For the snakes they probably would have brought bags because that’s how you transport them, and the lizards would have probably been put in boxes.
“We are very concerned that they are not sold on the street as they need specialist care.”
Mr Buxton said he would be prepared to offer a reward for information leading to the prosecution of those responsible.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to call officers on 0845 607 1002.