Stolen hedgehog returned to St. Charles pet shop

A pygmy hedgehog stolen from a St. Charles pet store last week has been returned, police said Thursday.

The animal, valued at $149, was reported stolen about 6 p.m. July 3 from Critters Pet Shop Inc., 1437 W. Main St.

According to a police report, two men were looking at the hedgehog when shop owner Mark Janczak became busy helping other customers. Janczak noticed a short time later that the animal was missing.

Police said Janczak then began calling area pet stores to see if anyone had recently purchased hedgehog supplies, and got a lead at Petland in South Elgin. Police were able to track down a man who admitted being given the hedgehog by a friend, a report said. It was returned a short time later to the pet shop.

No arrests were made, as Janczak did not want to pursue charges, police said.

The store owner declined to comment through an employee Thursday.