Birds stolen from garden

The birds were taken from a shed at Anthony Brown's home in Oakenfield on Thursday.

Mr Brown, aged 55, is appealing for the safe return of the birds Freddie, Billy, Joanne, Peter, Martha and Beethoven.

He has shed many tears since thieves broke into a bird house in his garden to steal the canaries between midnight and 7.30am.

"I got up and looked out of the window and my bird pen was open," he said. "I went up the garden and there were only four left.

"I am distraught. I have done nothing but cry since. Who would do this? I have never done any harm to anybody."

The stolen birds included two red mosaic, two yellow and two grey canaries. Mr Brown bought them at a recent auction.

"I like my birds. I like sitting with them every day and watching them and talking to them," he said.

"I am heartbroken. I can't get over why people would be so horrible. There are some really bad people in the world."

To add to Mr Brown's sadness, one of the remaining birds, a budgerigar, died yesterday, he believes from the stress of the raid.

He thought the birds were safe after boosting security after a theft at his home six months ago when cockatiels were taken.

The birds were worth £60 and there was £30 damage caused to the shed lock. And Mr Brown can't afford to replace the canaries.

Staffordshire Police spokesman Peter Stevens said: "We are disappointed that anyone would want to target birds like this."

He urged anyone with information to call police on 08453 302010 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Victoria Hoe