/ 18 October 2006

Israel police abuzz over sex-toy theft

Israeli police said on Wednesday they were on the lookout for 40 vibrators and a $200 dildo after thieves plundered the automobile of a noted sexologist in Tel Aviv.

“Thieves broke into her car and apparently stole from her a caseload of vibrators,” police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld said. “It’s difficult to say the exact value of the items stolen, but obviously we’re searching for these items just as with any other incident of theft.”

The thieves were likely surprised by the contents, Rosenfeld said.

The two metal cases stolen from Shelly Pasternak’s car on Friday resembled those used for expensive audio-visual equipment, but instead contained massage oils, dildos, whips, Chinese balls and handcuffs, as well as vibrators.

In all, the thieves made off with about $2 000 worth of sex toys, Pasternak said, adding that the most valuable item was an elaborate vibrating dildo that sells for $200.

“It’s a very unique one because it gives very high pleasure to women,” she said.

However, Pasternak said she was most concerned about a book of receipts inside the case that contained the names of customers who purchased sex toys, many of whom prefer to remain anonymous.

Pasternak (32) is a sexologist who hosts a sex programme on Israeli television, holds workshops and lectures at bachelor and bachelorette parties. — AFP