2 African Tortoises Stolen From Hesperia Pet Store

HESPERIA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are looking for a man and woman who stole two African Sulcata tortoises from a pet store in Hesperia on Sunday.

Security camera footage from Pacific Pets shows the man grabbing the tortoises and placing them in his pocket while the woman stood guard.

The tortoises, which were born July 4, can live more than 60 years and grow to about 150 pounds. However, because they are babies, they are still small enough to fit in a hand or pocket.

"We're a small business trying to survive in this economy and to lose $300 to a thief," said Ridge, later adding, "Scum, trash; that's exactly what they are. They need to be locked up."

The video has been handed over the Sheriff's Department, but Ridge also put it up on YouTube and Facebook.

"We've seen them here. The community has seen them around. So, they are local people that done this," says Ridge, who seems to get more upset every time he scans the video. "Watch the smirk he gives. I just want to slap him. You don't do this to people."

He's offering a $500 reward for the names of the people who took the tortoises.