Police in Thirsk are appealing for information following thefts of ornamental ducks and geese.
The birds were stolen from a farm in Sutton Under Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk in two separate burglaries. The first incident occurred between 2pm on Sunday 6 March and 2pm Monday 7 March when 27 birds where stolen. The second theft took place between 7pm on Saturday 12 March and 7.30am Sunday 13 February 2011 when another 21 birds were taken.
The breeds that were stolen are of high value, totalling several thousands of pounds, and include breeding pairs of Buffle-head ducks, Smew ducks, Hooded Merganser, Red-breast geese and Scaup. The thieves also took hen birds including Ringed Teal ducks, Versicolor Teal and Pochard.
Police Constable Jon Grainge of Thirsk Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I believe that whoever carried out these thefts has knowledge of wildfowl as they targeted the more expensive breeds and appears to know how to handle the birds.
“I ask that anyone who has any information about the people who stole the fowl or where the birds are now contacts me as soon as possible, as I need to speak to them.”
If you can assist with this enquiry please contact PC Jon Grainger at Thirsk Police Station on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference number 12110040148. Or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
They may have been ornamental but I bet they are wild fowl now. Hope they catch these plucky thieves, they are up before the beak and do some bird for their dithspicable deeds.