Koi carp owners warned after thefts
KOI carp owners are urged to be on their guard today after a pet shop owner warned the exotic fish are being stolen to order.Thieves at an Ipswich pet shop, who made their unsteady getaway over rooftops clutching a polythene bag bulging with fish, made a beeline for the carp.
KOI carp owners are urged to be on their guard today after a pet shop owner warned the exotic fish are being stolen to order.
Thieves at an Ipswich pet shop, who made their unsteady getaway over rooftops clutching a polythene bag bulging with fish, made a beeline for the carp.
Viking Aquatics owner, Andrew Cook, who lost up to 20 fish worth £300 in the haul, said: "I have all sorts of very expensive equipment and other animals including a cockatiel in the shop which they ignored.
"I believe these were thieves deliberately targeting the fish to order. Owners should be aware and pet shop owners wary of anyone who approaches them trying to sell koi carp."
It is not the first time in recent weeks thieves have targeted koi carp, known for their unusual markings, which can cost as much as £1,000.
Police have reported other thefts of fish during the past few weeks including one haul from Darwin Road in Ipswich.
Most Read
- 1 Smoke seen across Ipswich as crews tackle large fire
- 2 Strong interest expected as 'prime' town centre shop unit hits market with price tag of more than £1m
- 3 Investigations ongoing into 'inter-gang disputes' in town
- 4 Ongoing heathland blaze sees 147 calls made to fire service
- 5 Farmer 'heartbroken' as land sees fourth fire in 10 days
- 6 Convicted murderer released on temporary license arrested in Ipswich
- 7 Firefighters tackling fire near popular Suffolk hotel and spa
- 8 Meeting to discuss traffic calming measures after community concerns
- 9 Matchday Recap: How Town's cup defeat to Colchester played out
- 10 21-year-old man drowned on hottest day of the year, inquest hears
Mr Cook is adamant all koi are at risk.
He said: 'The thieves knew exactly what they were after. It was a very determined theft. They even cut through felt roofing to break into the shop at the back.'
According to Mr Cook, two other carp owners had reported missing fish in the last week.
Mr Cook called on anyone who might have seen the thieves' escape retracing their steps over rooftops at the back of St Margaret's Street , to contact police.
He said: 'They would have been carrying a large polythene bag full of fish. There is a taxi rank at the back of the shop where someone might have seen something.'
Anyone who may have spotted the thieves during the raid, which happened sometime between 6.30pm May 4 and 11.30am May 5, should call Ipswich police on 01473 613500.
