Pigeon breeder gives up after top birds are stolen (From Gazette & Herald)

Pigeon breeder gives up after top birds are stolen

A PIGEON fancier is giving up the sport he loves after thieves stole some of his most-prized birds.

James Pickering is convinced the thieves who took his prize pigeons knew what they were doing.

"I was absolutely gobsmacked - I couldn't believe it when I saw what they had done," he said.

"Not only are they valuable as prize-winning pigeons, but I loved them as pets.

"They took ten cocks and ten hens. Most of them were prize-winners and I think they must have deliberately stolen them.

"Perhaps they have seen me at local pigeon meetings and seen how successful the birds were."

As a result of the raid, Mr Pickering, who lives in Norton, has decided to give up the sport - after more than 25 years.

"It has totally sickened me. They didn't get all the birds, but because their cages are quite a way from my house there is nothing stopping them from coming back and taking the rest," he said.

"There is nothing I can do so I have decided to sell them to a friend. Maybe if I can find them a better home over the next couple of years I'll come back to the sport.

"But this has really knocked me sideways. I am horrified how people can do this.

"I'm putting up a £500 reward for their return. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll see them again.

"The thieves will probably take off their leg rings. Even so I'll be keeping an eye out for them at shows because I'll still recognise them."

The intruders broke into Mr Pickering's aviary between 6pm last Sunday and 10.30am the following day. The thieves also broke into an outbuilding and stole a petrol strimmer.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 01723 509612.

Updated: 12:33 Thursday, April 04, 2002