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Security and Theft

05 Dec Security and Theft

Posted at 21:02h in Aviaries, Health and Wellbeing by

Most people think bird thefts won’t happen to them, or they only happen to aviary owners. But anyone can be the victim of theft, especially if you have rare, expensive bird species. So, it’s really important that security is reviewed and sensible measures put in place to make any attempted thefts more difficult and the detection of perpetrators and recovery of stolen birds more likely.

Consider

  • Don’t make yourself a target – be careful of providing too much information about your home and your birds on social media etc. This includes advertising birds or bird equipment for sale.
  • Join a neighbourhood watch group.
  • Secure your home – engage window and door locks when you are away from home, or out of earshot / sight of your birds.
  • Do not leave birds unattended in public.
  • Check your boundary fencing and if possible, plant a prickly hedge, which when grown will prove difficult to push through.
  • If you have security lights check they are functional and the power cables are either hidden or enclosed to make access to them difficult.
  • Mount the security lights high up if you can, so they are not easily tampered with. But do be aware of the area being illuminated and ensure it doesn’t upset neighbours or your birds.
  • Consider installing movement sensors – there are some good quality, easy to fit devices available which are battery powered and work from WIFI.
  • If you have CCTV fitted ensure it is working correctly and recording. Remember to check that the day, date and time on any cameras are correct following the clocks moving back or forward an hour.
  • Make sure aviaries have padlocks on the doors to stop easy access.
  • Ensure you have proper records of your birds kept in a safe place. Ring and Microchip details need to be noted and photographs of each bird are handy – particularly of any which look distinctive.

 

In the event of theft

  • Try not to disturb any evidence as the police may be able to gain clues which might assist with the detection of the suspect. For instance, there could be forensic evidence left behind, blood from thieves who have been bitten by birds, foot prints, surfaces / equipment touched.
  • Contact the Police.
  • Provide the Parrot Society, Parrot Alert and the various other Bird lost and found groups with information of the theft – you never know, it’s possible thieves may release difficult to manage birds or advertise them for sale on social media.
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