Appeal to trace 800 chicks stolen from Alton village

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after 800 chicks were stolen from brooder units in Colemore.

The burglary happened sometime between 10pm on Wednesday, May 25 and 7am the following morning.

The pheasant chicks, which are only three weeks old, need access to heat and there is great concern for their welfare if they are not suitably cared for.

PC Lee Coleshill, from the Country Watch team, said: Birds of this age are very vulnerable and if they are not cared for correctly they will die. They need suitable lighting and heating equipment which wasnt stolen, which could either mean the thief already has the necessary items needed, has an outlet for the chicks or has stolen them without realising what is needed.

It is likely the thief did know what they were doing as to catch and handle the chicks would require some degree of confidence and knowledge of the task, so it is unlikely this has been an opportunistic burglary.

If you have any information about who is responsible for the theft of these chicks, or know of their whereabouts, please get in touch as soon as possible.

Id also like to remind other breeders, owners and shoot managers to check their security to ensure their stocks are protected.

Anyone with any information should contact PC Matt Quinnell at Alton police station on 101, via the website at www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/contact/message_officer.htm or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.