A SMALL freshwater crocodile has been stolen from a child care centre in Eaton overnight.

Detective Sergeant Len Turner from Darwin Police Station said the unknown offender/s unlawfully entered the premises on Billeroy Rd between 3.50pm yesterday and 6.30am this morning.

They stole the crocodile from a fish tank located outside the centre.

Kids’ Force manager Belinda Murray said the crocodile, named Barney, was about 30cm in length and six months old.

“We bought him for about $300 from Crocodylus Park in September last year just for something different,” Ms Murray said.

“Most child care centres have chooks and things like that.

media_camera Lauren Charlton-Parker, 3 and Tyler Davies, 4 are sad about their baby crocodile being stolen

“We like our kids to be able to see and learn, not just hear and learn.”

Ms Murray said the art store room was also broken into overnight.

“The (thief) took a box which we think they left with the crocodile in,” she said.

Ms Murray said Barney was an “angry” crocodile who wasn’t afraid to bite.

“We had a permit for him and know how to handle him properly,” she said.

“We just want him back.”

Child care worker Courtney Ramage said she was shocked to discover Barney was missing when she arrived at work early this morning.

“There’s no way he could have got out on his own,” Ms Ramage said.

“There was a glass top on the tank

“There was a little boy in the nursery who kept saying ‘gone, gone, gone’.

“Another little girl was really upset because it was her morning ritual to say hi to Barney.”

“Police urge anyone who may have any further information to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.”

Originally published as They stole WHAT from daycare?