Hundreds of pigeons taken in raid

More than 100 prize-winning pigeons taken in Derbyshire were probably stolen to order, police have said.

The 130 birds - valued at several thousand pounds - were taken from an address on Boulton Lane, Alvaston, early on Monday.

The birds were selected from among several hundred others, indicating a well-planned crime, officers said.

The owner, who has spent years building his collection, is said to be "devastated" at the loss.

Another indication the theft was well-planned is that the thieves got into a secure garden and managed to beat security systems.

The stolen birds were 80 German Beauty Homers, 20 Competition Rollers, 24 Lucerne Gold Collars and six Kings.