A PIANIST whose rare pet tortoises were stolen has appeared on TV to appeal for information.

Sue Holmes featured on BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow yesterday to ask anyone with information about the disappearance of her three tortoises to come forward.

Lettuce, 42, and her two 18-year-old daughters Trevor and Dilys were taken from the securely fenced garden of Miss Holmes’ home in Dorchester Close, Dartford, on June 17.

The 52-year-old, who bought Lettuce from a pet shop in Lowfield Street when she was just 10, says she is “devastated” by the theft of her beloved tortoises.

She said: “Crimewatch has received a few calls since the show aired but nothing that has led to their return, so I’m just living in hope the appeal helps get them back.”

Miss Holmes, who lives with her partner Gary and son Robbie, added: “We just want to feel we have done everything we can to get them back.”

The family placed the tortoises in a small house in their garden every night, but the tortoises were not there on the morning of June 17.

After searching the garden they realised the tortoises had been taken and reported it to the police and National Theft Register, which works to reunite owners with stolen endangered species pets.

Register co-ordinator John Hayward says the tortoises were probably stolen because they are of the spur-thighed variety, which are sold for big money on the black market.

If you have information about the stolen tortoises, call Mr Hayward on 01869 325699 or 07802 404929, or email him at jh@ntr.supanet.com