News

More than 60 birds stolen in joint robbery

Criminals have robbed the aviaries of two long-term birdkeepers who are neighbours, stealing more than 60 birds in one night.

David Anderson, 81, and 75-year-old Elizabeth Mutton, of Kingston Avenue, Feltham, Middlesex, woke up on the morning of July 20 to find their birds gone. Detective constable, Andy Treadaway from Hounslow police said: “It happened in the early hours. Mr Anderson lost more than 30 canaries and Ms Mutton more than 30 budgerigars. We’re appealing for people to come forward if they have heard of anyone selling these types of birds in the area.”

A devastated Mr Anderson said: “I started my stud more than 30 years ago with just two German rollers. The thieves broke our back gate and bolt-cut the lock on the aviary. They took more than 30 birds, including the one baby I had. I’ve only got six left. I felt sick when I discovered what had happened, as did my partner, Joan. They gave us so much pleasure.”

Ms Mutton, who has kept budgies since the late 1980s, said: “More than 60 birds is a lot of birds between the two of us. How did they do it? They must have come well prepared. Most of mine are rescue budgies. They took about half my birds. They left the bigger ones, the five cockatiels. Dave’s really, really upset. It’s his one and only hobby. He was very fond of his birds.”

DC Treadaway said: “Mr Anderson has just had a major operation for cancer. He’s totally devastated and says he can’t afford to buy any more birds.”

Ms Mutton said: “Dave hasn’t been given the all clear with his cancer yet. You can see the difference in him in the last few days. He looks really down.”

Mr Anderson said: “I’ve got cancer of the oesophagus. They cut out half my stomach and my oesophagus. This is all I need, now.”

• Could you donate a few canaries to Mr Anderson? To contact him, tel: 020 8844 0873.