The alleged theft of a bird from a Hoppers Crossing pet store has been labelled disturbing and bizarre.
Keely Diczku, who manages Victorian Bird Company, said a baby rainbow lorikeet was stolen from the store about 1.50pm on Saturday, May 10.
She said she noticed the bird was missing from its aviary about 1.55pm, and immediately checked the store’s CCTV cameras.
In footage seen by Star Weekly, a woman is seen to put what is believed to be a bird inside her jacket and walk off.
Police arrested a 38-year-old Deer Park woman on Monday, May 12.
She was later charged with theft and bailed to appear before a magistrate in June.
Ms Diczku said herself and staff were unsettled by the incident and are anxious about the wellbeing of the bird.
“We all love what we do and love animals, so we are really upset by it – we didn’t expect anyone to do such a thing,” she said.
“It’s one thing to steal dry stock off the shelf, but to steal a live animal is absolutely unbelievable and disappointing.”
According to Ms Diczku, the bird, which is worth approximately $700, needs attentive care and supervision due to its age.
At about 12 weeks old, she said the bird is at weaning age and needs a very specific diet of wet and dry nectar, fruits, vegetables and access to clean water at all times.
“They know how to eat on their own at that age, but they need the access to eat the correct type of food at all times,” Ms Diczku said.
Apparently, the store has been inundated with community members trying to ascertain the bird’s whereabouts on their behalf.
“These social media sleuths dive deep,” Ms Diczku said.
She urged the alleged thief to surrender the bird.
“We really, really want the bird to get the care it deserves, and it would love to see it return to make sure those things happen,” she said.
“That’s our number one concern.”
A police spokesperson said the bird has not been recovered and the theft is still under investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
