Minor used as an accomplice in theft of parrot chick
A man is said to have used a nine-year-old boy to steal an African Grey parrot from a pet store in uMhlanga.
POLICE are on the hunt for a man believed to have used a nine-year-old child to steal an African Grey parrot from a store in Gateway on Saturday evening.
Camera surveillance captured a shocking video showing the suspect and, what is believed to be a nine-year-old boy, inspecting one of the African Grey chicks at the Julie’s Pets store.
When the staff member was no longer in sight, the man can be seen stuffing the chick into the boy’s jacket, zipping up the jacket and then casually walking out of the store. The relationship between the man and the boy is unknown.
Lt Raymond Deokaran of the Durban North SAPS confirmed that a case had been opened at the station. Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
“It is not the first time that we have dealt with a case where an adult has used a child to steal or distract staff to commit a crime,” he said.
The bird is valued at R4 500, he added.
According to one of the store owners, Hawa Deedat, their primary concern is for the safety of the bird. At eight weeks old, the chick requires special care as it is unable to feed itself, she said.
A R1 000 reward has been offered to anyone who can assist with the capture of the suspect, she said.
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