89 precious birds stolen from disabled man's back garden by thieves who left just one behind
Nearly 90 precious birds, worth more than £3,500, have been stolen from a disabled man's back garden in Brownhills.
Siberian goldfinches, canaries, redpolls and siskins were taken from the shed in Clayhanger, with only one bird left behind.
Cages, seed and water pots were also stolen in the early morning raid at owner Alan Blewitt's home.
Thieves are believed to have climbed into the garden and smashed locks to get to the pets - before cruelly leaving just one behind.
Mr Blewitt, 57, who suffers from motor-neurone disease, has been collecting and breeding birds for more than 40 years.
The distraught bird-lover said: "I am devastated, it feels like I have lost part of my family. The birds have been a huge part of my life.
"I would spend most of the day in the shed; feeding and giving water to them, cleaning out the cages. I am desperate to get them back as they mean so much to me."
Councillor Kenneth Ferguson, who represents the Brownhills area, called the crime 'despicable' and urged members of the public to help track down the criminals.
He said: "I am truly shocked by this news, this is a despicable act. What is the world coming to? Carrying out a crime like this towards anybody is wrong, but to target a disabled gentleman makes it that much worse.
"I will be looking into this myself, it is just a stones throw away from me so I hope I can help in some way.
"I would urge members of the public to come forward and help the police if they have any information."
Anyone who has been offered birds for sale recently, or has information, can call 101 ext 889 3108
The raid was discovered just after 7am last Friday.
