Police cancel alert after rogue crocodile turns out to be a toy

A woman had reported seeing a 3-foot croc in her garden.

Thu, 16 Oct, 2014 - 09:55

Ciara Flaherty

When police in Devon received a call reporting an escaped crocodile on the loose in the gardens of Plymouth, they were quick to respond - putting an emergency response team from the Dartmoor Zoo on stand-by and alerting the public to the danger.

Call received of an escaped animal in Plymouth, believed to be a Crocodile 3ft in length. Caller concerned. Dartmoor Zoo informed #InTheWild
— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) October 15, 2014

But the terrifying croc on the loose turned out to be a little less dangerous than originally thought. Just three minutes later, the Devon police sent out the following update.

...Caller has bravely approached the beast. Turns out it’s an inflatable toy crocodile. Experts from Dartmoor Zoo stood down. #Relieved
— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) October 15, 2014

Oops....

Police called for our emergency animal response team to get this critter. Turned out to be a toy #FunOnaRainyDay pic.twitter.com/yqtf6DpHBd
— Dartmoor Zoo (@DartmoorZoo) October 15, 2014

And it seemed the lady in question then called over to her friend who naturally was sympathetic and helpful - in between laughing at her, of course.