R&R Life News

Precious hawk stolen in Redhill

5:37pm Monday 15th March 2010

A precious hunting bird has been stolen from an aviary in a backgarden in Redhill.

The highly-trained Harris Hawk, known as Harry, was stolen from the rear garden of a house in Linkfield Street.

The two-year-old bird of prey, which measures about 20 inches from head to tail, has mainly brown feathers with tinges of red on its wings and legs, and white and dark brown tail feathers. The bird also has a scar on its nose and one dew-claw missing.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Simon Gray called the thief “heartless” and appealed for help, especially from the falconry community.

Det Con Gray said: "This type of theft is unusual as birds of prey are not easy to handle and will attack strangers.

“In this instance, Harry is used to being handled, which made it easier for this heartless thief to steal him.”

He said: "Handling and keeping this type of bird takes knowledge and expertise and keepers have to be licensed and registered.”

Harry's owner, who did not wish to be named, said: "Harry is used to being handled so is quite a friendly chap and quite a celebrity around here.

“My friends and neighbours love to watch him fly and go through his paces.

"My girlfriend was very fond of him.”

He said he was going to give Harry to her for her birthday but found him gone when he went to collect him from his keep.

“It wasn't how I planned the birthday celebrations to go,” he said. “Both of us were really upset. We just want him back safe and sound.

"Harry is a highly-trained hunting bird, he is not territorial and will hunt wherever he is exercised.

“He has a distinguishing scar on his nose and a missing dew-claw, he is also ring-numbered and registered.

“He does need to be handled by someone who knows what they are doing. Although friendly, he is not your average pet.”

Anyone with information about the theft, which happened on Tuesday, March 9, between 4pm and 8pm, should contact Det Con Gray at Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference RB/10/2179.

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