Security Warning – Bird Thefts – Smaller Species – 3rd. July 2012

Some few years ago we experienced a major series of some twenty thefts of small bird collections when over 2,000 various Budgerigars, Canaries and Finches were stolen. Many of those stolen were top exhibition birds and high quality breeding stock.


There was little doubt that owners were the target of the thieves as the result of attending bird shows where their birds were entered and displayed. Some people were arrested in the Midlands and a number of birds were recovered but the vast majority were never traced.


One major aspect of this series of burglaries was that there was no security installed at any single bird-house which allowed the thieves free access and on every occasion, they got clean away.


We are now suffering from another lengthy attack to our bird-houses and sheds. During the last twelve months collections have been stolen from Tamworth, Selby, Hull, Durham in the North and at Taunton, Bedfont, Northolt and three times in the region of Southampton in the South. In recent weeks other complete collections have been taken by thieves at West Drayton, Middlesex and on 24th.June 2012 at Dagenham in Essex. This comprised of an extensive number of specialist Finches of extremely high value.


It is vital that all such bird-keepers and breeders be aware of this developing pattern of crime and seek security advice to help protect their birds. We must make it difficult for the thieves and with extra vigilance we hope that descriptions of offenders and their vehicles may be obtained.


As usual any information which may assist the Police in this matter contact me in the usual way or phone 101.


regards Andy ...


PC8896 Andy Timmins
Knowle, Dorridge and Blythe Neighbourhood Team
Shirley Police Station
Stratford Road
Shirley
B90 3AR


03451135000 ext 79286264