POLICE are investigating a burglary in North Dorset after a collection of birds was stolen in a targeted overnight raid.

The break-in happened between 11pm on Saturday, March 21 and 7am the following morning at a home in Underdown Hollow, Bradford Abbas.

An outdoor aviary was forced open, with thieves making off with a number of birds, including 12 northern goldfinches and four pairs of canaries.

Officers from Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team say enquiries are ongoing as they try to track down those responsible and recover the stolen birds.

PC Sebastian Haggett said: “We are carrying out a full investigation into this incident and I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area during the relevant time period.

“I would also urge residents in the vicinity with home CCTV or doorbell cameras to please review their footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.

“Finally, if you have information as to where the stolen birds are, please come forward so we can reunite them with their owner.”

Police are urging anyone who may have seen unusual activity in the area overnight to come forward, particularly those with camera footage that could help piece together what happened.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55260040556, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.