By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A VALUABLE breeding pair of central netted dragons has been stolen in a brazen store robbery in Narre Warren.
A man and woman – described as past customers – are believed to have swiped the reptiles from Narre Aquarium and Reptile Centre about 4.50pm on 19 April.
The man allegedly took the pair from a glass tank while the woman distracted staff by showing them her pet Centralian carpet python.
The centre released CCTV footage of the alleged suspects.
They were described by staff as Caucasian and aged late twenties -early forties. The dark-haired man wore a baseball cap, and the woman had long red hair.
They drove off in a vehicle parked in the centre’s front car park before staff detected the robbery.
Shop owner Connor Meaklim said the 20-centimetre dragons were small enough to be stowed out in a customer’s pockets.
They are described as light-brown to reddish in colour with distinctive dark markings.
The dragons are abundant in Australia’s hot, arid wilds but difficult to source as a breeding pair.
It had taken 18 months to find the pair, who had only been at the store for a few weeks.
“We were just about to start coupling them for breeding.”
The safety of the dragons is a concern for Mr Meaklim, who said they needed specialist care and equipment to survive in Melbourne.
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, they won’t live too long.”
Mr Meaklim’s message for the thieves was simply to bring them back.
“I won’t chase them.
“Just bring the lizards back and make sure they’re healthy.”
Any information to Narre Warren police on 9705 3111.
The shop’s CCTV spots a man taking something from one of the cabinets.
