CCTV captures man breaking into Crocodylus Park, stealing car later found burnt out
A brazen break-in at one of Darwin’s top wildlife attractions left staff reeling after an intruder damaged vehicles, killed birds, and harassed a young crocodile. WATCH THE VIDEO.
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CCTV footage has captured a man breaking into Crocodylus Park, where he harassed a young crocodile, stole a vehicle and ran over a flock of ducks as he fled.
The footage captured before midnight on March 12 in the on-site workshop, shows the man coming into frame wearing sneakers, shorts, and a black cap, with his shirt pulled up to cover his face.
However a very distinctive back tattoo is exposed due to the thief using his shirt to try to hide his identity.
The man is seen holding a baby crocodile in his left hand and he moves around the workshop before later placing it on the ground and chasing it while filming on his phone.
He also stops multiple times around the workshop with the croc in hand and appears to take a number of selfies with the young reptile.
More footage shows the man later moving between multiple parked utes and a golf buggy, and he later speeds from the park in a white Holden Rodeo ute.
CCTV shows him running over multiple ducks in the process.
Staff at Crocodylus Park made the discovery of the break-in about 6.30am on Thursday.
Park manager Emily Moyes said the man caused damage to “90 per cent” of the park’s vehicles in an attempt to ‘hot wire’ them, leaving them unable to be driven.
Tools were also found scattered across the property.
Ms Moyes said the baby crocodile had been uninjured and while initial news reports had indicated the croc was taken, park staff had found it on site after the incident.
“We’ve been conducting searches, and thankfully, we located him (the crocodile) in one of our ponds,” she said.
She said the killing of the ducks was “devastating”.
“These animals mate for life,” she said.
Strike Force Trident have carriage and are investigating.
Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said, “We are aware of the CCTV footage that is circulating showcasing this abhorrent incident.
“Strike Force Trident members are working to bring the offender into custody and before the courts.
“We urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500026561.
Ms Moyes lamented the incident, saying it was a major hit for the family-run business to take.
“This is a massive setback for us,” she said.
“We’re a small, family-run business, and now we’ve lost a vehicle, and staff are struggling without transport.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve had a break-in, and it’s incredibly frustrating.”
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