Edward Street resident Barry Purcell, owner of bearded dragon 'Lizzie', discovered it was missing from its backyard enclosure on Monday.

Mr Purcell last saw Lizzie on Friday or Saturday and planned to feed it on Monday morning.

Lizzie was Mr Purcell's only pet and he said he missed it.

He had cared for Lizzie for all of its four years and had a permit to keep it.

Mr Purcell said what he thought of the thief was not fit for print.

He unsuccessfully searched his backyard for Lizzie.

"I am very peeved off; it's not nice when someone steals your pet," Mr Purcell said.

"Years ago, I had a little dog and I had to put her down because she was too old.

"That killed me and it took me a long time to get a pet again.

"Now I finally have a pet and someone steals it."

Police said they were amazed the thief did not steal anything else from Mr Purcell's backyard.

Senior Constable Emma Taylor of Horsham estimated Lizzie's value at several hundreds dollars.

She said the reptile did not escape by itself, because of its cage's locking mechanism.

Mr Purcell said Lizzie was larger than a frill-necked lizard, and was light brown-grey with yellowish flecks.

Bearded dragons feature a beard-like throat pouch which blows up when they are threatened.

Senior Const Taylor said anyone with information could call Horsham police on 5382 9200.