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[Bschott]

Wow.

Sorry for your animals. I guess the only thing I could think of is that if it was an 'inside' job from someone that worked at the event center or had worked there. Not many people are going to be able to get into a place, know what security is like (cameras not working, what door to use) and then get out undetected. But that's just my thoughts.

Someone cased the event as well. They knew what they wanted and where to get it, so they had to have been at the event to know where to go.

Now not to #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^& anyone off, as obviously no one but the police, event staff, and breeders have the inside information, but my thoughts fall in a few different directions.

1) Personal theft.
Someone stole these animals for themselves. They plan on keeping all or some of the animals. This can be good or bad. Good if suddenly someone starts buying feeder mice/rats or (if they have animals already) they buy increased numbers of feeders. We are creatures of habit, and normally will not deviate from that if we can help it. Someone is bound to notice a friend has a few more pets…or some customer is buying a few more feeders than they normally would. Bad though if the person has enough animals that a few more will go unnoticed.

2) Personal theft/profit.
Someone stole these animals specifically to make cash. Either they will post these animals for sale in 6-8 months or more (a crook smart enough to make this snatch and grab isn't going to be stupid and post pics on the net right away… but I have been wrong before), and keep a few for themselves, or they have buyers arranged already.

3) Store Theft.
Least likely. A not-to-legit business (not necessarily local) stole the animals (or had them stolen) for sale. Because of the type of animals, this sounds least likely.

People knew some unique animals were going to be at this event. They knew which animals to grab. My thoughts lie to…

4) Breeder theft.
Not saying someone at the show! I am thinking a breeder that bought a ticket and attended the show. They stole the animals for themselves for producing more unique snake to sell later. First, they know how to handle the animals and transport them. Second, if they are seen, they are at a snake expo so who is going to question someone with an SUV or van loading snakes in the back.

Problem with all these is it sounds like the work of someone who knew security at the event center, and most of these scenarios it is very unlikely the person who wanted the snakes would have the access.

Love to know they caught the person.