Eighty snakes and rare iguanas have been taken during a break-in at specialist Rochdale pet shop Reptacular.

The thousands’ of pounds’ worth of animals taken include rare blue iguanas, four royal pythons and many more corn snakes, rat snakes and king snakes.

Thieves struck after the shop closed on Wednesday and staff only discovered the break-in when they arrived for work on Thursday morning.

It’s believed the thieves also tried to take the Newbold shop’s two pet monkeys, a pair of cotton-eared marmosets.

They were found traumatised in the shop after the doors to their enclosure were ripped off.

Business owner David Charlton, 34, said: “When we pulled up at the back to park the van the shop doors were wide open and we ran straight in.

“At first we didn’t think much had been taken but then we realised when a staff member went upstairs they had targeted that area of the shop. “Thankfully the monkeys were still in the shop, they could have been running round Rochdale as the back doors were wide open.”

Reptacular, which specialises in snakes and other reptiles such as tortoises and iguanas, is based in a former three-bedroom house on Milnrow Road.

It is estimated the break-in, mainly targeted at the upstairs of the shop, will cost the business around £15,000.

The shop can house around 1,000 animals - but staff have now removed many to another location, fearful of being targeted again.

Owner Dave says because there are just a handful of blue iguanas in the country he believes they will be the key to identifying those responsible.

He said: “Since the break-in I’ve spoken to hundreds of pet shops, breeders and suppliers, asking them to watch out for these animals. “Obviously if whoever has done this goes to someone with 60 snakes to sell then that will ring alarm bells.

“But I think the key to this might be the blue iguanas, because they are so rare.

“Whoever has done this has made quite a mess, but we’re more concerned about the safety of the animals.

“They can’t just live in a box in a room they need specialist heat and light equipment.

“If nothing else I just want to know they’re alright.”

Police in Rochdale investigating the theft say it’s possible the thieves will try to sell the animals as soon as possible. They are asking anyone with information to call 101 Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or emailing rochdaleeastinpt@gmp.police.uk