I'm just so angry right now. I have up reward posters hoping someone will return Tater. My kids and wife are so upset. Let me tell ya, it took some work to get that enclosure open. I built it to deter something like this.
I would ask the kids friends....sounds like an inside job' .. exspecially if you just finished an enclosure and folks new about what you were doing.... sorry to hear about that " thief's are my pet peeve " and make great garden fetilizer too!
Put up posters saying you have them on video. If you took that much time to make it theft proof and it still happened..make them think you had monitor on it as well. If tort is returned unharmed in 24 hrs, then you will take no action. It might work...
This is sad that someone would resort to stealing someone's pet. I just pray for it's safe return and hope whoever decided that they needed it more, knows how to care for it.
The college kids don't know where I live. We haven't really shown anyone because we didn't want this to happen. The video idea is good. I am going to do that. It really does amaze me that my family has become so attached. Thanks everyone.
Also keep an eye on you local and nearby Craigslist ads. Notify local vets and pet shops. Most thefts are about stealing something of value with the intent to sell.
and some people wonder why tortoise keepers are so secretive, I can only say more than likely it was some stupid teenagers, who think that since it is a tort it is somehow okay to steal. I like the idea of posting fliers saying you have video of them taking it,but it might encourage them to harm or get rid of it. here is hoping he is safely returned.
I hate the fact that he was taken. My biggest concern is that he's not going to get the care that is needed. He already spent the majority of his life in a box under a bed and he doesn't deserve to go back to that life. I am more concerned with him being well cared for. I am going to put up some motion activated "game cameras" if he's returned or when we find a replacement. I'm also going to build a steel frame table for him. I doubt the thief is going to run around with a cutting wheel or torch, so that might work.