Appeal after rare birds of prey stolen

A MAN is offering a £1,000 reward after two rare birds of prey were stolen from the back of his van during the Cowbridge Food Festival.

Jason Ashcroft was running the Falconry UK stall at the Vale of Glamorgan festival on Sunday and Monday.

The stall exhibited a number of different birds of prey and owls and and offered visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the rare animals.

But as Mr Ashcroft packed up his display at the end of the festival, two of the birds - a Grey Owl and Bateleur Eagle - were stolen from the back of his van.

He has now taken to Facebook to appeal for information.

Mr Ashcroft wrote: “I was loading my van after an amazing two days at the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival.

“They were stolen in their black transportation boxes from the back of my trailer.

“These are heavy boxes so I’m guessing they were put into a car.

“The police have been informed and these birds are unusual, one of which is quite rare so if you’re thinking of selling them on – I will find out.

“There is a £1,000 reward for the safe return of the birds.”

South Wales Police are now investigating the incident and are appealing to anyone who may have any information to come forward.

A police spokeswoman said: “The birds were stolen on Sunday afternoon as their owner, who was exhibiting at the event, was loading equipment in to a trailer. Both were taken in heavy, black transportation boxes.

“Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or who has any information, is asked to call 101, quoting ref number 1700205677. Or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”