Tortoise stolen in Doncaster burglary reunited with owners

Tortoise Bubbha is back with his family after being stolen in a Doncaster burglary

Buddha, aged eight, was stolen along with a car and a number of other valuables when a property in the Marr area was broken into.

The burglary in the early hours of Monday, October 26 was reported to South Yorkshire Police and detectives made two arrests the following day.

Buddha and a number of other stolen items were recovered from a house in Wath, Rotherham.

Billy Metcalf and Matthew Wiggett, both 32 and from West Street, Wath, have been charged with burglary and remanded into custody.

Metcalf has also been charged with possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs.

Buddha’s owners, who wish to remain anonymous, said: “Out of all the items that were stolen, Buddha being returned safe and sound is by far the biggest relief.

“The children were over the moon to have him back, and while he is still a little bit twitchy, he’s getting plenty of attention.”

Detective Constable Neil Beresford, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “I am really pleased we have been able to reunite little Buddha with his family, and to say tortoises are supposed to be relatively slow he was pretty quick darting across the office.

“We will always investigate any crime reported to us and we are committed to make Doncaster a safer and more enjoyable placer for everyone.”