A bizarre collection of animals have been stolen from Halstead over the past five years.

A Freedom of Information Request to Essex Police has revealed that 49 animals have been taken from the town since 2010.

In 2010, a tortoise was reported stolen and in 2011, one dog was nabbed.

No pets were reported being stolen in 2012 or 2013, but last year, 7 ducks and 30 fish were taken.

More animals have been pinched from Halstead than either or Braintree or Witham.

In total, 32 animals were stolen from Braintree over the same time period and 26 from Witham, with the most common being chickens and fish in these towns.