Police Searching For Stolen Stuffed Animals After Break-In At Taxidermy Warehouse

This Chimpanzee In A Top Hat And Tie Has Gone Missing
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You’d have thought a stuffed chimpanzee in a tie and top hat would be fairly easy to find.

But following a burglary at a taxidermy warehouse on 1 March, police have launched a public appeal to help locate the chimp and a number of its furry friends.

Thieves arrived in a van with a grey cab and white body at the warehouse in Wandsworth, south west London, between 7.20 and 7.41pm, and used angle grinders to force their way inside the premises.

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The chimp was among 18 animals stolen from a taxidermy warehouse

They then made off with antiques including a globe and 18 stuffed animals.

A penguin, giraffe, lion and sloth are among the missing items, which are worth about £100,000.

The aptly-named Detective Constable Edward Bird, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "This was not a random crime, the burglars had came prepared and well equipped.

“This was a criminal enterprise and these thieves need to be stopped before they commit further crimes.

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The animals were among £100,000 worth of items stolen

"The items they stole are of high value and are very distinctive. I am appealing for anyone with information to contact police, in particular I would ask anyone who deals in such animals to be on the look-out and contact police immediately if you are offered any of the stolen items."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. Please quote reference 304644/16. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you do not want to give your name.

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