Volunteers from Erskine have been left heartbroken after crooks broke in and stole two of the exotic creatures from the log cabin.

Among the animals which went missing from Lamont Farm on Wednesday night are a 10-and-a-half feet long python and a two-and-a-half feet royal python — who farm workers have warned is a “biter.” Tricia Craig, a volunteer at the farm, slammed the thieves who stole the beloved animals as “dispicable.” She said: “We are missing Drago, our 10 ½ feet long Carpet Python, who will be hungry as he’s due to eat so has not shed.

“Also taken was Jasper, our 2 ½ feet long muscular Royal Python, who is a biter so needs to be handled very carefully. Both have typical markings for their breeds.

“This was a deliberate act as the front door of the cabin was put in and the locks popped on the vivariums.” Staff at Lamont Farm are now pleading with the thieves to return both snakes as they believe it could be dangerous for them to be missing.

The theft comes as another blow to the owners after £10,000 worth of damage was caused in January after severe weather destroyed its barn. “To say that we’re heartbroken by this theft is an understatement,” Tricia continued.

“These beautiful creatures are a big draw at the farm and when we do outreach to schools. We simply cannot afford to do without them or replace them at this time.

“It is such a despicable crime to steal from a charity, especially when it is a small local one. “We don’t have much, but are prepared to offer a small reward to anyone who can offer information that leads to the safe return of Drago and Jasper. All that matters to us is that we get our boys back safe.

“Drago is a big gentle giant so I’d imagine this is the reason why someone stole him. It’s absolutely disgusting.” After the storm damage, the farm was closedfor six months. Tricia said it was “a struggle” for them to re-open.

She added: “We got there by not giving up — the same goes for these snakes. We won’t stop looking for them no matter what.” The snakes are not venomous or deadly however the farm is concerned for the wellbeing of the missing animals.

Just last week a similar case was reported when professional thieves smashed their way into a Rugby reptile shop in Warwickshire and stole 70 snakes.

The theft of the snakes, 12 tanks and money happened between 6.15pm on Tuesday and 9.15am on Wednesday at Rugby Reptiles on Hillmorton Road, Rugby.

If you know anything about the Erskine theft then please contact the farm.