Despite the fact that this farm is enclosed by a steel wire fence with a security guard and a German Shepherd dog, thieves were still able to break in and steal over 300 crocodiles weighing between 4 and 7 kilograms. The incident took place at Phuoc Hiep Crocodile Farm (Cay Trom Hamlet, Phuoc Hiep Commune, Cu Chi District) and the owner of the farm is Tang To (56 years old, often known as Hai Hung).
As reported by Hung, on the evening of May 14, he took his routine walk around the farm. At about 11p.m, he climbed up to his guarding tent, which is 3 metres above the ground, to sleep. He woke up the next morning, went down to feed the crocodiles and discovered that his two crocodile enclosures, No.4 and No.6, were empty with many leaves and mud prints on the concrete ground.
After checking all places for the crocodiles with his staff, Hung realised in shock that over 300 crocodiles, worth about VND 300 million (USD 15,400), had disappeared without a trace.
Hung's crocodile farm covers an area of 10 hectares. However, he only used a small part of the land to set up his 19 pond crocodile farm. The total enclosure was designed to be quite discreet, fenced by B40 steel wire and each small enclosure was protected by a strong security locked gate. Hung also had a German Shepherd guard dog near the main entrance of the farm but he did not hear any barking on the night of the incident.
According to a few crocodile breeding specialists, the thief must be a professional who is extremely daring and is very knowledgeable about crocodiles. Crocodiles at the weight of 7kg's are over 1 metre long and can attack humans.
Specialised authorities are currently doing their best to track down this professional group of thieves.
Enclosure No.4 missing crocodiles after a theft.
Hung checking the area where the fence had been cut and stepping on the little bridge left by the thieves.
