Fifty-year-old tortoise Deano stolen from Cheshunt gardenDeano had been with the family, who are extremely upset, for 28 years

Police investigating the theft of a tortoise from a garden in Cheshunt are appealing for witnesses and information.

The incident occurred between 2.30am and 8am on Sunday, October 15.

It is believed the tortoise, which is 50 years old and called Deano, was stolen from a box in the rear garden of a property in Holme Close.

PCSO Nicole Wilson, from the Cheshunt East Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The tortoise has been in the family for 28 years and they were extremely upset to find that he had been taken.

“I am appealing for anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area or has been offered a tortoise for sale since Sunday, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference K2/17/4618.

Alternatively, if you have any information about this incident you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.