Reward offered after rare birds are 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 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.”
The post has been shared more than 29,000 times, with many describing the theft as “upsetting” and “awful”.
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: “South Wales Police is investigating the theft of two valuable, rare birds of prey from the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival.
“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 witnessed anything suspicious, or who has information that could assist with the investigation, is asked to call police.”
Police can be contacted on 101, quoting reference number 1700205677. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.”