Caught on tape - Bumblebee Ball Python stolen from The Serpentarium in Elk Grove CA

story:

http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2012/...k-grove-store/

"ELK GROVE (CBS13) – A Valentine’s Day heist was caught on tape in Elk Grove as man is seen pocketing a designer snake worth nearly $500.

Surveillance video shows a couple walking into The Serpentarium on East Stockton Boulevard in Elk Grove on Tuesday around 11 a.m.

The woman is seen pointing to the cage holding a baby Bumblebee python, one of the most expensive snakes in the store.

“She’s obviously the mastermind behind this whole thing because she points to this cage right here and of course the guy comes around and does his thing,” said Robert Coral, owner of The Serpentarium.

Moments later, the man is seen fiddling with the lid of the cage, reaching in and grabbing the baby python and putting it in his pocket

It doesn’t appear that the couple ever noticed the cameras up all over the store even as they walk out.

“They are out in the open but they were focused on the snake not cameras,” said Coral.

Coral said the Bumblebee Ball Python is a designer snake bred for its distinctive look. So either the pair know something about snakes or they were tempted by the price tag.

Either way, Coral hopes releasing the video helps him get the python back. He even says he won’t press charges if the snake is returned unharmed.

But he’s also offering a $100 cash reward for any information that leads to arrests.

Anyone who recognizes the couple is asked to contact the Elk Grove Police Department.

Another snake was stolen from the store a few months ago, according to Coral, and that’s when he decided to put in security cameras."

update from the Serpentarium's facebook - the theives have been identified (Madison and Kevin, no last names given yet) - they were contacted and told if they returned the snake then no charges would be pressed

http://www.facebook.com/TheSerpentariumElkGrove

thank goodness for security cameras!

Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

thank goodness for security cameras!

another update from The Serpentarium:

"STOLEN SNAKE UPDATE: Contact was made with Kevin and he requested to make payments as he wanted to keep the snake. I agreed and just met with him to sign a contract of four equal payments. The first payment has now been made. He apologized many times and I believe he is truly sorry. Hopefully he grows from this experience and others learn from it. There has been no apology or contact made from Madison."

Tough way to make a sale.

Scam artist reptile mill !

Mr Graham,
You are clearly upset, but this is the last warning you are going to get about your postings. You can't just post whatever you want, wherever you want.