Police called in after four bird of prey chicks stolen

A POLICE investigation has been launched after three falcon chicks and a buzzard chick were stolen from a bird rescue centre in Aberdeenshire.

The birds, one only six days old, were stolen from pens at the 2 Wit 2 Woo rescue centre at Kinnoir, near Huntly.

Jeff Downie, owner of the centre, said: "The parents are very distressed. They are still looking for the chicks and don't seem to realise they have actually been taken out of the nest."

He said that it was likely that the chicks, each valued at several hundred pounds, had been stolen to order.

And he added: "It needs to be someone who knows what they are doing to go into the pens and take the birds out."

A Grampian Police spokeswoman confirmed that the force was investigating the thefts.

Chief Inspector John Carle, of the Scottish SPCA, said:

"It is a possibility that they may have been stolen to sell on and we would have concerns for the welfare of any animal or bird taken under these circumstances.

"Not only could this theft cause distress and harm to the chicks, but the parents will obviously be distressed at the disappearance of their offspring.

"We would urge anyone with information to contact the police immediately."