STAFF at a Radcliffe pet shop have been left shell-shocked after a sneak thief stole two tortoises worth £450.

They were taken from the reptile den of Steven H Smith Garden and Leisure in Radcliffe Moor Road at the weekend.

However, one of the stolen tortoises is classed as an endangered species and cannot be sold without the proper records.

Shop manager Mr David Kwee said: "We believe the tortoises were stolen on the Saturday morning (Feb 15). It wasn't until the following day we discovered they were missing and hadn't been sold.

"There were three tortoises together, but the thief took only two and left the other one behind. They were in the reptile den which is usually padlocked."

He added: "We believe the person responsible went into the den when the door was left open. We believe it was an opportunist theft."

Mr Kwee continued: "Both tortoises are just four inches in length and could easily have been put into a coat pocket and taken out the shop.

"One is classed as an endangered species and a captive bred animal. It could not be sold on to a reputable dealer without the proper documentation."

Both tortoises were three years old. One is valued at £250 and the other at £200.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to ring Whitefield CID on 856 8248.