Stolen tortoise’s owner ‘worried sick’

A 35-year-old tortoise has been stolen, sparking a police appeal.

Sussex Police said the pet was taken on 21 July after someone broke into an outbuilding in the Hassocks area.

The owner, who has lived with the tortoise its whole life, is “devastated that their beloved pet has been taken,” the force said.

“She rarely eats of her own accord, only really the food that is offered by the owner and has set routines,” a police spokesperson said.

The tortoise – which Sussex Police did not name – was described by officers as being about 6in (15cm) across and weighing around 6.5lbs (3kg).

Its owner is “worried sick about what is happening to her,” the police spokesperson says.

“Tortoises are not the easiest of animals to look after and require knowledgeable care to remain healthy and happy.”

The tortoise’s house was also stolen, according to Sussex Police.

The force has urged people to share the story among family and friends, and to contact them if they have information about the theft.