Credit: Alex Butler, Flickr Creative Commons
A handful of python snakes, worth an estimated $5,000, were stolen from the Akron Rattery and Reptile Rescue center over the weekend.

Authorities say the theft occurred between 7:45 and 8:45 p.m. on Saturday evening when someone entered the premises through a tunnel that connected the rescue center with a vacant store behind the lot. 

Seven pythons, as well as a chinchilla and several guinea pigs were taken from the center. Other animals were let loose from their cages or had their cages toppled over.

The rescue center primarily cares for animals confiscated during police raids, but also looks after pets from Ellet High School during the summer months. The missing chinchilla and guinea pigs belonged to the school.

Anyone with information on the theft or the current whereabouts of the missing animals are kindly asked to call Akron Police at 330.375.2552.

This article appears in Jun 10-16, 2015.

Alaina Nutile is the Web Editor who oversees all digital content and social media initiatives for Cleveland Scene Magazine and Detroit Metro Times. Before joining the staff in June 2013, she interned at Business Insider in New York City, and at La Hora in Quito, Ecuador. Alaina is a graduate of Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where she double majored in English and Spanish. Her interests include Japanese food, Breaking Bad, and career development advising.