Walsall pigeon raids are not linked, police believe
Two pigeon thefts in Walsall in which 75 birds were stolen are not currently believed to be linked, police said today.
Dozens of birds were stolen in two separate raids in Darlaston and Blakenall, while there was an attempted theft in Rushall.
Police today said there was nothing to suggest the cases were linked. One Black Country pigeon fancier said theft of the birds was a problem across the country.
Tony Dean, who has been looking after pigeons since he was just seven, today urged people who have the birds to be on their guard.
The 56-year-old, of Goscote, said: "It is not just in the Midlands that this has happened but it's happened all over the country where pigeons have been stolen."
He said some pigeons can be quite valuable depending on performance but would be difficult to sell on as they have rings around their feet.
The father of three said: "People are aware this happens sometimes but it's just catching them that is difficult. They tend to strike at night when nobody is around. It would be awful to go out to the loft in the morning and find they have all gone. Sometimes they take years to build up."
One of the burglaries happened in Joynson Street, in Darlaston, over Easter and 60 birds were stolen. They are believed to have been worth around £1,200.
Another 15 were taken from a loft in Dawson Street, Blakenall, while there was an attempted break in at an address in Barns Lane, Rushall.
Sgt Adam Henderson said: "The offences are spread across the borough, so there is nothing to suggest that they are linked, other than the fact that pigeons were the target." Anyone with information should call police on 101 or 0800 555 111.
