Between 2200 hours Tuesday 29/04/2014 and 0630 hours Wednesday 30/04/2014, 5x monkeys were stolen from Blackpool Zoo, Lancashire, England (3 x Cotton-topped tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) and 2 x Emperor Tamarin (Saguinus imperator)).

As a result of widespread media coverage, 4 of the stolen monkeys were recovered and returned to Blackpool Zoo.  Lancashire Police and North Yorkshire Police are continuing enquiries into the original crime but no arrests have been made so far.

Following the theft of monkeys from a French Zoo in 2008 the NWCU issued an ALERT and ascertained from UK Forces that a number of primate crimes had occurred in the UK [Thames Valley, Metropolitan, Devon & Cornwall, and Sussex], some of which had a similar MO.

It may be the case that primates/endangered species are being targeted in the UK again as there is an overseas market for such valuable commodities.

Anyone who is aware of any primate / other endangered species criminality from 2009 onwards is asked to make contact with their local police wildlife crime officer.  Alternatively, if you wish to report this information anonymously please contact Crimestoppers.

Zoos, Wildlife Centre’s and other similar establishments are advised to consider their perimeter and internal security.