A heartbroken family has appealed for help in tracing its treasured African grey parrot that was stolen from a garden in Warsash.
An African grey parrot like Jake stolen from a garden in Warsash
Elaine Smith said she was sure her pet parrot Jake had been targeted by thieves who had discovered he was being kept in the garden in Brook Avenue.
Elaine, who lives in Whiteley, said Jake was being looked after by her elderly father in Warsash when he was stolen. The parrot had been in their family for 30 years.
She said two young people were seen by a neighbour running along her father’s drive at around 9.30pm last Thursday (September 19). The next morning they discovered Jake gone and the padlock on his cage ripped off.
About a month ago a woman driving a people carrier stopped at her father’s house and the woman and others with her asked to see the parrot – although the cage that Jake is kept in is not visible from the road.
After they had a look the woman said she wanted the parrot but was told that he was not for sale.
“It looks like they came back for him,” said Elaine.
“I had Jake for 30 years so he was a big part of our family. He mimicked my father’s voice brilliantly so when he talks he will only say the things we have taught him. He is a talker but not tame.”
She said the theft had been reported to the police and they were planning to get some extra details as part of their investigation.
Anyone who has any information about the people mover in Brook Avenue in Warsash a month ago, saw people acting suspiciously in the area last Thursday night, or knows of someone who might recently have acquired an African grey parrot is urged to call Fareham Police on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.