Suspects break window of shop, steal exotic reptiles

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Thieves broke into an exotic reptile shop on North Academy Boulevard on June 26, and the shop is concerned that the animals won’t receive the highly specialized care they need to survive.

Scales N Tails’ location on North Academy Boulevard was burglarized just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, after several suspects tried to break open the door by strapping it to a car bumper and driving forward. When they failed to pull the door open, one of the suspects can be seen on security footage breaking the glass storefront with a rock.

View the store’s security footage below:

After entering the store, Scales N Tails said the suspects took five ball pythons and six bearded dragons, as well as a cage and cage décor. The store worries that the animals will not be cared for properly, as ball pythons and bearded dragons require special enclosures, environments, and diets.

“We fear they [the reptiles] will not get proper care and are in grave danger,” said Scales N Tails in its Facebook post.

Scales N Tails posted photos of some of the ball pythons that were stolen and explained that the markings on a snake can be used to identify specific individuals.

“Snake patterns and colors are like fingerprints. No two snakes will have the same exact markings in the world,” said Scales N Tails. “We believe they [the suspects] will attempt to resell these ball python morphs via Facebook marketplace or Craigslist. If you see these animals being posted on any ball python pages or in any reptile groups at all please reach out to us. Our primary concern is the welfare of these animals and keeping them safe.”

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) confirmed it is investigating the burglary, and asked anyone who may be a witness or who has information to contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000, or Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers at (719) 634-STOP (7867).

CSPD said it is still in the process of developing suspect information.

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