Warning to bird breeders after Walsall canary thefts
A dead canary chick lies alone in a nest, lifeless after its mother was stolen by callous thieves out to make money.
This was the scene Walsall canary breeder Phillip Gormley woke up to after the aviary at his Little Bloxwich home was broken into and around 30 canaries and their chicks were stolen.
Sadly, Mr Gormley is not the only breeder in the Black County town to be targeted.
Four days after his canaries were stolen on May 17, an elderly breeder in Leamore had three aviaries broken into and a number of birds stolen.
In light of the recent thefts, police are not only urging canary breeders to step up their security, but are also appealing to those who live near them to be vigilant.
Sergeant Debbie Gallon said: "Both breeders had security in place but with canaries being advertised for sale online at around £20 each, we'd advise others in the business to consider taking any extra measures they can and would ask neighbours to be on the look-out for any suspicious activity.
"We've spoken to a local breeder's association who say unfortunately, these types of thefts are quite common, with the birds being sold at auction for up to £40 each. It's possible breeders are not reporting them to us and I would urge anyone else who has been targeted to let us know.
"I am sure someone out there knows who is responsible for these thefts in Walsall and I would appeal to anyone with information to call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Mr Gormley – who's bred canaries for more than 20 years - added: "A lot of breeders don't say they've got birds and keep themselves to themselves.
"We're coming to the end of breeding season and the young chicks are the most valuable. They're probably being stolen to order and now I've been left with no birds at all – I'm devastated."
