Police & Court

Brazen bird-lary in Shepparton North

By Tyler Maher

Mar 20, 2023

Appeal for information: Police are investigating the theft of 28 birds in Shepparton North at the weekend. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Police are appealing for any information about a daring burglary in Shepparton North at the weekend.

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Some 28 canaries were stolen from a property in Shepparton North between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, with the heist most likely to have taken place at night.

With no damage to the bird cage’s entry points or signs of influence from other animals in the vicinity, the thief is likely to have had prior knowledge of the birds and could have stolen them to sell at a weekend market.

“The birds range in colour between brown, dark brown, yellow and multi-coloured,” a Shepparton police spokesperson said.

“The owner believes the birds wouldn’t have been able to be caught during the day.

“Single canaries can be sold for around $50 to $60 — they may have been seen at a market on the weekend.”

The potential cash coup for the offender is about $1500.

Two canaries were left at the scene, with one showing signs of an attempted capture.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au