Police are hunting a thief who forced his way into an exotic pet shop and cycled away with a giant spider, three snakes and a bearded dragon called Edgar.
The animals were poached during an early morning break-in at the city’s Perth Pet Centre.
CCTV footage shows the raider cycling to the Ladeside Business Centre outlet before scaling a high wall.
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It is understood he pushed through a boarded up conservatory window to get inside, before bundling the creatures as well as a heat lamp and £120 in coins into a bag.
The shop’s owner, David Scobie, is offering a reward for the thief’s conviction.
“I think they knew exactly what they were looking for,” he said. “We were broken into about a year-and-a-half ago and they came in the same way. I think it might have been the same people.
“We’re very concerned about the pets’ welfare,” he said. “The safety of our animals is our number one priority. At the last break-in, they took a bearded dragon, among some other animals, and he died because they hadn’t been looking after him properly.
“We want to find these pets as quickly as possible.”The pet centre, which shares its premises with Ladeside Aquatics, closed for business in January. It is in the process of moving to new accommodation in Atholl Road.
Mr Scobie said: “We managed to sell off most of our stock in a sale last month, but we still have a few animals which we visit and feed every day.”
The bearded dragon, corn snakes and copper tarantula were stolen from their tanks in a back room of the shop.
Mr Scobie said no damage was caused during the break-in.
According to security camera footage from a neighbouring business, the shop was broken into just after 2am on Friday.
A police spokesman said the raid was reported to us at midday on Friday. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area. We also want to hear from anyone who may have been offered any of these stolen animals for sale.”
Any witnesses are urged to call the police on 101 or free phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.