By Lia Bichel
A CANNONS Creek man who kept rare and expensive birds was the target of theft twice in the lead-up to Christmas.
Rick, who asked that his last name not be used, said someone would have had to go to a lot of effort to cut through his barb wire fences and steal his birds, cages and accessories, worth about $17,000, on 18 December and on 23 December.
He said the person or persons who stole the birds would have also had to have a large vehicle to keep all the items.
“They stole all the colourful birds the first time. They cleaned out my aviary and finch rooms, and left cages open for other birds to escape,” Rick said.
“They took medications and vitamins too, but in their haste, they missed some valuable parrots which I have since sold.”
Rick, who used to own Safari Birds, said he enjoyed being a hobbyist but now planned to sell all his birds, cages and accessories.
He still wanted to know the whereabouts of his stolen goods.
Police are investigating another incident in Devon Meadows on 19 December where wire fences to bird enclosures were cut and rare and expensive birds were stolen.
Anyone with information about these incidents are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.