'I can't go on like this': Keeper steps down after 10 birds stolen
The head keeper of a popular bird display centre is stepping down after 10 birds were snatched in two night-time raids.
In the first raid at the Owl and Falconry Centre, at Shipley, near Wolverhampton, thieves made off with eight birds of prey estimated to be worth more than £8,000.
Last week there was some good news after one of the owls seized was returned in a good condition after a woman from Bushbury came forward with information.
But on Saturday night - just six weeks after the first raid - two barn owls were taken from the very same enclosures.
Karl Law has been in charge at the centre since it opened its doors in 2012, but said the emotional distress had been too much and has now handed in his resignation.
"I am packing it in," he said. "I am looking for someone to step in and take over. I can't go on like this.
"I am taking it personally now. It must be someone who knows us. To come back and take others, it is diabolical.
"I have been looking after birds for 30 years but I had never had a bird stolen until I came here."
After the first theft Mr Law warned the centre could be forced to close.
In total eight birds had been taken including a gyrfalcon, a pure saker falcon and a tribred falcon. The three alone were estimated to be worth £7,000.
The thieves also made off with two barn owls and three bantam chickens.
To add to the upset, a volunteer discovered the body of an owl, seemingly killed following a struggle.
The barn owls seized in the latest raid were worth £300. Mr Law has handed his resignation to the board which runs the site but says he will stay on until a replacement has been found.
He added: "I hope the centre keeps going. It allows someone else to come in and perhaps they can run things better."
The Owl and Falconry Centre opened its doors in 2012 and has a total of 70 birds of prey.
As well as running daily displays, it offers handling courses and carries out off-site visits to show off its magnificent birds.
The centre has a total 36 volunteers and does a lot of work with disabled groups in the community.
Staffordshire Police are carrying out an investigation into the latest raid and Mr Law is offering £500 for any information which leads to a conviction.
Anyone with information is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 101.
Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
