In an incident that seems more fitting for the plot of a family adventure movie than a real-life crime, two lifelike animatronic dinosaurs—Rexy and Yoshi—were stolen from a hotel car park in Thurrock, Essex.
The theft has left a beloved family-run business, Raptors World, scrambling to recover and left countless children and eventgoers disappointed. With the stolen dinosaurs costing between £5,000 and £10,000 each, the financial and emotional toll on the business is immense.
Founded and operated by Tom Pruen, Bristol-based Raptors World is known for its energetic, interactive dinosaur experiences at events across the UK. The models are not mere props—they are a vital part of a magical, immersive experience aimed at entertaining and educating people of all ages.
The dinosaurs were set to appear at an event in the Lakeside Shopping Centre when the theft occurred, throwing the weekend’s plans into chaos and sparking a passionate plea from the company for their safe return.
A Family Dream Shattered in the Early Morning
At around 4:30am on Monday morning, the van containing Rexy and Yoshi was stolen from the car park of the Thurrock West Premier Inn. Alongside the two signature animatronic dinosaurs, the van also held a complete “Jurassic set-up,” which is used to stage immersive environments at events.
Tom Pruen, who has built the business from the ground up, described the incident as a “whirlwind of nightmares.” The emotional distress is not just about the loss of expensive equipment but the disruption of a dream that took years of passion, creativity, and hard work to realize. “All I can think about is the people whose faces we’ve made smile with those dinosaurs throughout the years,” he said.
What makes the theft particularly heart-wrenching is the role these dinosaurs play in the lives of children and families who interact with them. These aren’t just business assets—they’re characters with names, personalities, and memories attached.
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Yoshi, a light green velociraptor, and Rexy, a dark green tyrannosaurus rex, are beloved by audiences across the UK. Pruen described how he and his team dedicate themselves to putting smiles on children’s faces and making a few adults scream in delight during their shows.
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Despite the heartbreak, Pruen and his team were forced to shift immediately into crisis mode. It’s been a “mad scramble,” as he put it, to gather alternative materials and replacements in time for the weekend events, doing everything they can to avoid letting down their customers.
A Community of Support and a Ray of Hope
While the theft has left the Raptors World team devastated, it has also brought out the best in others. After news of the incident spread, several fellow animatronic dinosaur hire companies reached out, offering to help fill in the gaps so that the weekend events could still proceed.
This solidarity is not only heartwarming but speaks volumes about the small, tight-knit community of entertainment providers who understand the pressures of running niche businesses.
These gestures of support have given Pruen a small but meaningful boost during an otherwise bleak time. The offers range from equipment loans to logistical help, showing how collaboration can help fill the void left by such a cruel act.
Pruen is also clinging to the hope that the dinosaurs and equipment may still be recovered. He believes the thieves might eventually abandon the items once they realize how difficult they are to sell or repurpose. “They are of no real value to anyone else,” he noted. “And the dinosaurs are going to be difficult to sell because of how distinctive they are.”
Raptors World has even offered a reward for the safe return of Rexy and Yoshi. While Pruen worries that the van has already been dismantled for parts, he still holds out hope that the dinosaurs might be “dumped somewhere” and eventually found. The models are large, lifelike, and uniquely identifiable, making them extremely difficult to pawn off or hide for long.
A Direct Plea and an Ongoing Investigation
In a heartfelt message directed to the thieves, Tom Pruen appealed for compassion. “Please bring back my dinos – you don’t understand the damage you have caused,” he pleaded. The impact of the theft goes far beyond financial loss—it’s the emotional blow to a team whose mission is to bring joy, wonder, and excitement to people’s lives, especially children.
“This job takes real dedication, and there’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to get us to where we are today,” he said. His words resonate with any small business owner who has poured their heart and soul into building something special.
Pruen’s appeal is less about retribution and more about restoring what was stolen not just from him, but from the countless fans of Rexy and Yoshi.
Essex Police confirmed that an investigation is underway. They are currently examining the theft of the van from Stonehouse Lane, Purfleet, and are likely reviewing any available CCTV footage from the hotel and surrounding area. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
The public is also being encouraged to keep an eye out for the dinosaurs or any suspicious listings that might feature such distinctive items. Given the unusual nature of the stolen goods, there’s hope that someone, somewhere, will spot them and alert the authorities.
For now, Raptors World continues to operate, fueled by determination and the backing of their supporters. While they may be short two dinosaurs, their spirit remains unbroken.