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The reptiles were snatched from a property in Rugby, Warwickshire in a wheeled holdall along with cash and keys – Warwickshire Police say the robbery happened on December 11

Police have said 15 pythons were stolen from a property in Rugby (

Image: Getty Images/Westend61)

Police are scrambling to find 15 royal python snakes that were stolen during a burglary.

The reptiles were snatched from a property in Rugby Warwickshire in a wheeled holdall.

It is thought the burglar forced entry into the house where they stole snakes, a quantity of cash and keys.

Warwickshire Police say the animals were bundled out of the house and taken to a nearby cemetery as the thief made their getaway

The reptile robbery happened between 7.30am and 10.30am on December 11, police said.

Officers said the animals have individual markings – making them easier to identify.

Royal Pythons, also known as Ball Pythons, can grow up to four feet long.

The burglar is thought to have forced entry into the house in the Hillmorton area of the market town

They are found within forests of Central and Western Africa.

The nonvenomous constrictors typically eat small mammals and birds.

A police statement said: “Inquiries are ongoing and we’re appealing for any members of the public who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area.”

In August, a woman was shocked to find a snake in her kitchen cupboard while cleaning.

Liz French was left startled when she opened her cleaning cupboard to find the reptile staring back at her.

The yellow corn snake, called Kobe, belongs to Liz’s neighbours but had been missing since June 1 after he escaped from his vivarium.

But just over a month later, Liz found the reptile hiding amongst her cleaning products – leaving the mum-of-three in shock.

Liz, 33, from Ramsgate, Kent, managed to lure the snake into an old Quality Street tin and reunited him with his owners.

In regards to the stolen snakes, police are urging anyone with information is asked to call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 137 of 11 December.