An investigation has been launched after 24 pigeons were stolen in Newcastle .
The owners of two different sets of high value racing pigeons have been left devastated after finding their coopshad been raided earlier this week.
The birds stolen in the raids are collectively worth more than £3,000.
At around 9.45am on Tuesday, police first received a report that a coop at Jesmond Vale allotments had been targeted and 15 pigeons of carrier breed, worth an estimated £2250 had been stolen.
Then at around 10am on Wednesday, a second coop had been targeted by thieves in the same location.
This time a further 9 pigeons of the Rowland Janssen breed, worth an estimated £1350, had been taken after entry was forced to their coop at Jesmond Vale allotments.
Police say they believe the thefts could be linked and are searching for those responsible.
PC Dave Lever said: “The owners of these pigeons have been left absolutely devastated after returning to find their birds were missing.
“The locks on both coops have been forced and we do believe the pigeons have either been taken or intentionally set free.
“This is a criminal offence and is being taken seriously by police. They are worth a lot of money and are of huge sentimental value to the owners.
“Anyone with information, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the areas of the two coops on either Monday or Tuesday evening, January 22nd and 23rd, should get in touch with us straight away.”
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