Show turkeys stolen in farm raid

The thieves are thought to have stolen sacks from a barn to carry the birds in

Seven rare show turkeys have been stolen from a farm in Hampshire.

The birds were taken from their sheds overnight on Saturday, 7 November, in Twyford, near Winchester.

Police said the two Lavender turkeys and five Croellwitzer turkeys, which are bred for showing and not for meat, weigh up to 44lbs (20kg) each.

The Croellwitzer turkeys have distinctive black and white chequered feathers and are valued at about £100 each.

Angela Wood, who bred the birds herself, said the thieves had taken sacks from her barn to carry them in.

It's seems someone was trying to make a few quick bucks for Christmas Angela Wood, farmer

She said: "There are two reasons they were taken - either they knew what they were, that they were rare breeds, and wanted to sell them on to someone who wanted them or it was someone who was completely ignorant and wanted them for the Christmas trade."

Mrs Wood said she had got the eggs from Scotland earlier this year and managed to hatch them.

She added: "It's very sad. It's seems someone was trying to make a few quick bucks for Christmas."

Police have advised farmers to take care as turkey thefts are common during the winter months.

Pc Jon Radcliffe said: "These birds are of great sentimental value to their owner as they are bred for showing and not for meat.

"We believe they were stolen between 2200 GMT and 0600 GMT, and as these birds can weigh up to 20kg each it is likely that it would have taken more than one person to carry them out."