Two tortoises are missing from the Cape Fear Serpentarium in Wilmington, each weighing at least 70 pounds.
Owner Dean Ripa said someone took the reptiles about three weeks ago. He is puzzled by the disappearance since the tortoises are so large, citing that something that big is not easy to sell or ship.
If the thief is keeping the tortoises inside, Ripa said the reptiles are likely tearing up someone's home. The tortoises are powerful enough to walk through a wall.
The tortoises were donated to the serpentarium to be used as part of an exhibit when school groups visit.
Posted: 05/07/2013 - The North Carolina Attorney General says just requesting information online for a payday loan can put your information and your money at risk.
Updated: 03/12/2013 - Federal officials have helped the family of a Raleigh woman recover $45,000 of the nearly $200,000 that she lost to Jamaican scammers who told her that she had won a lottery prize.
Posted: 01/15/2013 - The N.C. Attorney General's Office says they received more than 600 calls in 2012 about getting telemarketing calls pitching alarm systems.
Updated: 12/14/2012 - Wayne County deputies have charged two men and a woman for scamming people into donating to Toys for Tots and local fire departments.
Updated: 11/15/2012 - A startling message is popping up on computers everywhere claiming to be from the FBI saying your computer is locked and you're under investigation.
Updated: 11/08/2012 - As you get started on your holiday shopping list, online shopping can be a great way to snag a great deal. However, not all internet merchants are created equal, and low prices can blind consumers from spotting counterfeit items.
Posted: 08/23/2012 - With less than three months until the election in November, election-related scams are popping up. Here's one to avoid.
Updated: 08/17/2012 - The Federal Trade Commission wants parents to know that many school forms require personal and sensitive information that, in the wrong hands, could be used to commit fraud in your child's name
Updated: 08/01/2012 - The Pitt County Board of Elections says if a woman claiming to work for the agency knocks on your door, you're asked to call the board.