OWNERS of expensive fish are being warned to be on their guard following two separate thefts of the valuable pets.Around 30 large goldfish were taken from a pond in the rear garden of a home in Lakeside Road, Ipswich, between 2pm on Sunday May 28 and 7am on Monday May 29.

OWNERS of expensive fish are being warned to be on their guard following two separate thefts of the valuable pets.

Around 30 large goldfish were taken from a pond in the rear garden of a home in Lakeside Road, Ipswich, between 2pm on Sunday May 28 and 7am on Monday May 29.

And rare Koi Carp, valued at more than £20,000, were also taken from a pond at a home in Boxford Road, Milden.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who knows what may have happened to the fish.

Exotic fish expert Andrew Cook, who owns Viking Aquatics in St Margaret's Street, says that from his experience he believes both thefts would both have been opportunist.

Mr Cook, who has had Koi Carp stolen from his shop in the past said: “It is likely that someone has stolen them to put in their own pond to avoid the expense of buying them.

“I don't think there is a black market in stolen fish as such.”

However Mr Cook said the thieves would have to have been well-prepared to carry out the crime.

He said: “It would not have been easy to carry big fish.

“Whoever did it would have needed a big container filled with water to hold them all.

“They would also need a vehicle large enough to hold that container.

“It would not be a quick in and out two minute job. They would have had to work slowly and carefully.”

n. Anyone with information on either of the thefts should contact Ipswich police station on 01473 613500 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

n. Have you been a victim of this type of crime? Was it your fish that were stolen? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk