70 budgies stolen from aviary in Aberdeenshire

AROUND 70 budgies worth thousands of pounds have been stolen from a private aviary in a village.

The budgies are valued at a mid four-figure sum and all are tagged with a unique code on their right foot - H6010. Picture: Wikimedia

The birds, some of which are prize winners, were taken from their home in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, sometime between 3pm on Thursday April 30 and 2pm on Friday May 1.

They are valued at a mid four-figure sum and all are tagged with a unique code on their right foot - H6010.

The theft came just days after three eagle owl eggs were taken from a private aviary in the Crudie area of Aberdeenshire.

The eggs, which had newly been laid, were taken sometime between 8.30am and 4.00pm on Monday April 27.

Police in Aberdeenshire are warning bird owners and breeders to be on the alert following the recent thefts.

PC Alex Carle, the officer investigating the theft of the budgies, said: “For anyone to have a pet injured or stolen is distressing enough but having an extensive collection of 70 birds taken has been very traumatic for the owner.

“If anyone is offered a budgie for sale or has information about this incident I would urge them to call us on 101.“