THIEVES took exotic birds worth £2,000 from an aviary in Tadley.
The theft of 40 birds took place between 11pm on Thursday, January 17 and 8.20am on Friday, January 18, at outbuildings in New Road.
The stolen birds include Mexican house finches, java sparrows, Bengalese finches, diamond doves and wax bills. An egg incubator, a catching net and three cages were also taken.
PC Jindy Sokhi said the owners were breeding the birds as a hobby.
He added: “It is believed that this is a targeted incident and that the offenders have knowledge of these birds.
“The offenders have been careful to leave behind birds which carry identification rings and have been very selective with respect of other stolen items such as incubation equipment, catch nets and cages to transport the animals.”
He urged people with aviaries to secure entry points with good locks, and where possible, to buy security lighting and fit door alarms.
Anyone with information can contact PC Sokhi at Tadley police station on 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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