Help Needed To Trace Stolen Stuffed Animals

Taxidermy worth over £100,000 taken from Wandsworth warehouse

Stolen Stuffed Animals

Police detectives from Wandsworth are appealing for the public's help to find a number of valuable stuffed animals stolen during a burglary.

The items were taken from a taxidermy warehouse in Wandsworth on Tuesday, 1 March between 7.20pm and 7.41pm 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 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