FORCED ENTRY / HOME INVASION
PHYSICAL ATTACK ON THE OWNER
Home invasion or forced entry into the home is responsible for less than 1% of birds being removed from households; however, this is one of the most serious crimes that may be committed against owners of birds.
This type of theft is called a Home Invasion Robbery. "HIR" combines elements of breaking and entering, robbery, and aggravated assault. Thieves come armed with guns, restraints and other weapons, demanding birds and cash.
LOSS OF HUMAN LIFE CAN TAKE PLACE
IF A HOME INVASION OCCURS
If you are robbed at gunpoint, there is a real possibility that your life may be taken. Cooperation with thieves is necessary to protect your life and the lives of your family. For more information on this terrifying type of crime, see the Ft. Lauderdale Police webpage, Violent Crime Hits Home: Home Invasion Robbery.
Two bird breeders in Florida were victims of home invasions.
- The first was a "contract theft" strictly for the removal of pairs of birds. The thieves themselves had no knowledge of birds or how to handle them. After 25 minutes of gun waving and yelling, the three gunmen were scared off, leaving the owners tied up and in shock but unhurt. All three gunmen were caught but the "contractor" was never found.
- In the second home invasion one of the three assailants was a person known to the victim. Thieves came in demanding cash and birds. Both victims were handcuffed. One victim was shot and has survived to this day with the bullet still lodged in the chest, resulting in continual health problems. Only one gunman was caught, and no birds were removed by thieves.
In a third and different type of invasion, the owners of a bird farm were presumed kidnapped and murdered. No birds were taken, but all were left without their caretakers for over 10 days. Hand feeding formula had been prepared and was found next to all the dead baby birds. Other dead chicks had hatched in the incubators. Of approximately 1000 adult birds, only 335 were found alive. Read more about the Loxahatchee Horror at voren.com.