CALLOUS CRIM TAKES COCKY
BELOVED STORE PET STOLEN:
A DRYSDALE hardware store is pleading for the return of its beloved cockatoo Jacko, which was stolen on Saturday night.
Drysdale Home Timber and Hardware nursery manager Katrina Neocli, who cares for Jacko, said she arrived at the store on Sunday to find his cage had been broken into.
She said CCTV footage revealed someone had come to the premises and taken Jacko on Saturday night.
Victoria Police confirmed Portarlington officers were appealing for public assistance after a cockatoo was stolen in Drysdale on Saturday.
“The cockatoo was inside a cage outside a hardware store on Murradoc Road when an unknown offender forced open the cage and stole the cockatoo about 8.45pm,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
Ms Neocli said Jacko was a 23-year-old hand-raised cockatoo who broke his beak when he was a baby and had been at the store for 13 years.
He requires special care to get his beak trimmed.
“He’s our store mascot,” Ms Neocli said.
“He’s a very loved member of the Bellarine.
“I’m absolutely devastated, he’s my little man.”
She said the store was appealing for information and “to bring him home”.
Store manager Ben Garvey said Jacko often said “hello” or “hello Jacko” and his beak was distinctive, and he had clipped wings.
“We are just devastated,” he said.
He said it was believed the thief jumped a fence to access Jacko’s cage.
Mr Garvey said anyone with information could contact the store. His message to the person who took Jacko was: “Just bring him back, we won’t ask any questions.”
Police said anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.