Zoo crocodile skull stolen – and thieves could face seven years in jail
A rare crocodile skull has been stolen from a business in Cannock[1] – and the thieves have been warned they could face seven years in prison for trying to sell it on. The Tomistoma crocodile skull was being professionally prepared at the business when it was taken between Thursday, March 23, and Tuesday, March 28.
The crocodile died naturally at a zoo, and its skull – which measures about 60cm – was being professionally prepared so that it could be used for educational purposes. Police are now warning that anyone who tries to sell the skull without a permit could be faced with seven years in prison.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police[2] said: “The skull would require an Article 10 licence under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S) in order to be sold. If sold without a permit, those responsible could be sentenced to up to 7 years in prison and receive an unlimited fine.
“The animal had been part of a successful UK breeding programme and its skull would have been beneficial to future research of the species, which is at risk of extinction.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Darren Wilkes at: [email protected] or call 101.”
References
- ^ Cannock (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Staffordshire Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Jay Line county lines drugs gang jailed for combined 16 years over £10k cash, cocaine and heroin haul (www.birminghammail.co.uk)