Police warning after attempted theft of game birds (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Police warning after attempted theft of game birds

2:56pm Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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Police are issuing a warning to game farmers in the County following the attempted theft of nearly 1,000 poults from a Lancashire farm.

The farm, which is near to Preston, was targeted earlier this week when the offenders had attempted to take 1000 of the birds.

The poults, which are young game birds including pheasants and partridges were removed from secure cabins, placed in crates taken from the site and then carried across a field.

It's believed the offenders were spooked and made off without the property.

The birds were discovered still on the site in the crates the following morning at dawn by the farmer.

PC Duncan Thomas, Force Wildlife Officer fo Lancashire Constabulary said: "We suspect that the persons responsible had prior knowledge of the farm and had experience in handling this sort of quantity of poults.

"We are making enquires and would appeal for any one with any information to contact Lancashire Police via 08451 253545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"I would also take this opportunity to advise all game farms and shoots to review their security, and consider simple measures such as signage, CCTV, securing crates and cabins that can go some way to deterring this sort of theft.