A chimpanzee in a top hat and tie was among 18 exotic stuffed animals stolen by thieves from a taxidermy warehouse.

Creatures including lions, a giraffe, a zebra and a sloth were crammed into a Luton-style van during the raid in Wandsworth, south London, on March 1.

Thieves used angle grinders to force their way into the warehouse and take 18 stuffed animals and antiques including a globe, escaping with a haul worth £100,000.

Detective Constable Edward Bird said: "This was not a random crime, the burglars came prepared and well equipped. This was a criminal enterprise and these thieves need to be stopped before they commit further crimes.

"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 lookout and contact police immediately if you are offered any of the stolen items."

 

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