Aviary, Home and Pet Store Security
HOW DO BIRD THIEVES OPERATE?
It is documented that some thieves come prepared and some do not. Unknowingly, owners have assisted the thieves in the removal of their own birds. It is important to know your thief and the MO's used. Whether burglaries are committed randomly or organized, the results will be the same.
There are three kinds of bird thieves:
- Organized Thefts: skilled at grabbing birds and adept at entering properties unnoticed, these persons are capable of wiping out entire breeding collections in one night. These thieves are the most dangerous, affecting all aspects of aviculture.
- Juvenile/Gang Thieves: these may be, but are not limited to, one time thefts. These thieves are responsible for "grab and runs" in pet shops, and removing birds from "one bird households" inside or out side of the house.
- The Mama, Papa & Baby Thief: this group appears "innocently" in pet shops or on breeder properties; owners are distracted, precipitating "bird walk-outs."
FIREARMS
Thieves may or may not come armed.
VEHICLES
Thieves are picked up and dropped off, leaving no visible signs of an escape vehicle. A variety of trailers, step vans, station wagons and sport utility trucks are used. ATC's and motorcycles are used in thick, dense or foliated properties.
Escapes are quick, with owners chasing on foot. Engines have been heard running. More than one vehicle may be used.
ALIASES
A thief may use two different names to confuse or throw off breeders who are networking to determine the thief's identity.
False names are given to law enforcement, and no I.D. is found on thieves who have entered properties and been caught. Thieves caught stealing birds are sometimes repeat offenders, some have been caught as many as four times.
PARTNERS IN CRIME
Depending on the crime, a group of four or more people may be used: two to catch, one to watch and one to drive. Men, women, juveniles and young children are all involved in the theft of birds.
DESTINATIONS
Thieves sell stolen birds to pet shops and flea markets.
Airports may be used to move stolen birds after a theft.