A much-loved family pet has been been stolen for a third time from the front garden of his owner's home.

An appeal has been made to retrieve Tommy the tortoise after he was taken from his hutch on Saturday evening outside the home of Daphne Playford in Station Road, Tiptree.

Mrs Playford has reported the theft to the police, but also asked the Evening Gazette to make an appeal for Tommy's swift return.

The tortoise is a bit of a celebrity in Tiptree, said Mrs Playford, as children have been stopping to say hello to him on their way to school for many years.

It is not the first time the Evening Gazette has been called in to help recover the adventurous reptile who has gone missing from his home twice before.

If anyone can help get Tommy back, they can call Mrs Playford on 01621 817104

Published Tuesday, June 17, 2003

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