Caught On Tape: Designer Snake Stolen From Elk Grove Store

February 16, 2012 4:00 PM

Reporting Nick Janes

ELK GROVE (CBS13) – A Valentine’s Day heist was caught on tape in Elk Grove as man is seen pocketing a designer snake worth nearly $500.

Surveillance video shows a couple walking into The Serpentarium on East Stockton Boulevard in Elk Grove on Tuesday around 11 a.m.

The woman is seen pointing to the cage holding a baby Bumblebee python, one of the most expensive snakes in the store.

“She’s obviously the mastermind behind this whole thing because she points to this cage right here and of course the guy comes around and does his thing,” said Robert Coral, owner of The Serpentarium.

Moments later, the man is seen fiddling with the lid of the cage, reaching in and grabbing the baby python and putting it in his pocket.

It doesn’t appear that the couple ever noticed the cameras up all over the store even as they walk out.

“They are out in the open but they were focused on the snake not cameras,” said Coral.

Coral said the Bumblebee Ball Python is a designer snake bred for its distinctive look. So either the pair know something about snakes or they were tempted by the price tag.

Either way, Coral hopes releasing the video helps him get the python back. He even says he won’t press charges if the snake is returned unharmed.

But he’s also offering a $100 cash reward for any information that leads to arrests.

Anyone who recognizes the couple is asked to contact the Elk Grove Police Department.

Another snake was stolen from the store a few months ago, according to Coral, and that’s when he decided to put in security cameras.

stan atkinson

How ’bout locking lids on the cage? Duh! Think the owner would have learned the lesson by now.
james

he did . thats why its such a serious felony. property over 250 plus bypassing the lock 487.pc lsgt. looking at 3 years. for a stickin snake…
Charles R. Donaldson

Cant beat Stan’s remark. Still I hope they catch the guy.
stan atkinson

Obviously it was unlocked then.
james

stinkin’
stan atkinson

So if the owner didn’t install locks and only cameras, what good does a camera do when no one is monitoring it all the time? Locks would have worked more efficiently than the camera.
Sw

A camera needs to be at EYE LEVEL taking HD video of the FACES of people as they leave. Got it Mr store owner? A video of the top of someone’s hat isn’t going to help you find them.

HD, Eye level, as they leave the store. Got it?
stan atkinson

Don’t worry store owner These two rejects will be braggin’ in no time at all about their new gotta-see pet.
CD

The perps are Kevin Pockrandt from El Dorado County, and Maddie Klemchuck, or madison, they robbed my home for nearly 30k in computers as I am a developer, i recovered nearly 2k in equipment, and im trying to locate these two, if the snake company lets them off like they told me they were doing because his parents agreed to pay the shop, and mind you this isn’t a minor, this is a mid 20′s couple, and if the shop doesn’t press charges, we face another hurdle, eg: waiting for the two to get caught doing more harm to other persons property, anyone who has any info or will help me prosecute (the snake store didn’t want to deal with it, and it sounded like after the owner came in he knew who it was because Kevin exclusively deals in ball pythons. He sold the snake which i don’t doubt because his drug habit is equal to the size of his misrepresented ego. anyways that’s my piece, these individuals stole my safety and well being inside my home, and with a 1 year old, I am just outraged, and well i hope the cops find him b4 me!
CD

I was late to see this footage, and capitalize on the situation, but Kevin is on probation, and hopefully there will be a peaceful resolution to this, and an end to “Kevins” destructive wake.
gna

I am all for leaving these creatures in their true indigenous surroundings.