Thieves have been described as "heartless" after they stole guinea pigs bought as a present for an eight-year-old boy's birthday.
Cindy Stocking said her children were devastated after the three guinea pigs were taken from a hutch outside their home in Aspen Way, Greenstead, on Friday night.
She had seen them advertised for sale and wanted to get one for her son Ryan's ninth birthday as he loves animals.
When the family went to choose one they were captivated by three of the little animals and took them home. They were put in a hutch with plastic sheeting on the front to protect them from the cold.
The family found the hutch open and the guinea pigs gone on Saturday morning.
She said: "Someone has stolen them or let them out. Ryan is devastated and that is what's making me more upset is to see him so distraught."
She said they would be replacing the lost guinea pigs, but that would not make up for her son's distress.
The family were putting up posters appealing for help in finding the animals. Mrs Stocking asked for anyone who knew anything to contact Colchester police on 01206 762212
Published Monday, December 16, 2002
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