The Three Tuns pub in Ashwell, Hertfordshire, has released CCTV footage it claims shows two young girls stealing a pet turtle named Squirt from its enclosure. The incident allegedly occurred on Friday evening.
The pub reported that the CCTV captured the two girls repeatedly entering and leaving the room where the turtle's tank is located over a seven-minute period. Around 6:41 p.m., the footage allegedly shows them removing the turtle from its heated tank. According to the pub, the children then appeared to attempt to hide the turtle before leaving the premises via the patio and garden gate.
Staff at the pub notified the police and conducted searches of nearby areas, including springs and surrounding locations, in case the turtle had been left outside. The pub has offered a reward for Squirt's safe return, citing concerns about the turtle's welfare, which requires specific care such as controlled water temperatures. The pub stated that removal from its habitat could seriously affect its health and potentially lead to its death if not properly cared for.
In a Facebook post, the pub detailed the sequence of events, noting that the mother of the two girls entered the pub earlier in the evening and later walked towards the springs outside. While staff were occupied with a broken glass, the two children, described as wearing matching green-and-white striped jumpsuits, allegedly approached the turtle's tank. The pub claims the younger girl acted as a lookout while the elder child removed the turtle, with the younger child shielding the act as they headed towards the springs.
Initially, the pub believed the mother was unaware of the alleged theft. However, exterior CCTV footage reportedly shows the children holding the turtle walking alongside their mother towards the building from the springs approximately ten minutes later. The pub stated that the footage shows the adult female remaining near the building's corner while one child walked towards the springs entrance. The woman and the second child are then seen returning to a white BMW vehicle around 6:49 p.m., after which the group departed the area.
The Three Tuns pub stated it received a tip providing a suspected family address, and the General Manager visited the location on Monday. According to the pub, the woman initially denied visiting the establishment on the day in question. However, upon being informed of the CCTV evidence, she allegedly changed her story, claiming the children found a turtle at the spring and left it there. The pub reported that when informed of the existence of CCTV footage, she altered her account again.
The woman reportedly offered to replace the turtle. Police were subsequently called to the scene, and the General Manager left the location soon after, describing the discussion as unproductive. The pub expressed hope for Squirt's return before their annual Tuns Fest event. Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that inquiries are ongoing and requested anyone with information to report it via 101 or online, referencing crime number 41/57985/26.