Pet Shop Owner Exposes Man Who Stuffed Canaries Down His Trousers
In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, Neil Eatwell, the owner of Paradise Pets in Swindon, Wiltshire, caught a man on CCTV allegedly shoving four live canaries down his trousers during a daring daylight theft. The missing songbirds, valued at £175 in total, prompted Neil to review the security footage to uncover the startling theft that took place on Thursday, April 10.
According to Neil, the CCTV footage revealed a man in tracksuit bottoms reaching into the birdcage, grabbing the canaries – two Roller canaries, a Fife canary, and a red Phaeo canary – and swiftly smuggling them into his trousers. He noted that the man’s accomplice, a blonde woman, acted as a lookout by diverting attention whenever the staff approached, creating an opportunity for the theft.
Expressing his dismay over the incident, Neil described canaries as a “trusting little species” that might not have survived the distressing ordeal of being forcibly hidden in someone’s clothing. He publicly shamed the pair behind the audacious act, warning them against returning to his store and threatening prosecution if they do so.
The pet shop owner pointed out the brazen nature of the theft, highlighting that while they had been busy with deliveries, the suspects took advantage of the canaries’ docile nature to swiftly execute the theft. Neil expressed concern for the well-being of the birds, especially the ones that were part of breeding pairs, potentially leaving nests with eggs vulnerable due to the theft.
Sharing images of the perpetrators on social media, Neil aimed to alert other businesses and the public about the couple, whom he believes might try to keep the stolen birds as pets. He emphasised the importance of raising awareness about such incidents to prevent the perpetrators from targeting other establishments in the future.
Despite the emotional response from animal lovers and concerned individuals online, Neil has not yet reported the incident to the police. He stressed the need for vigilance and urged the suspects to refrain from revisiting his store or engaging in similar criminal behaviour elsewhere. The backlash generated by the incident underlines the importance of protecting vulnerable animals and ensuring their safety in commercial establishments.
As the community rallies behind Neil and condemns the perpetrators’ actions, the pet shop owner’s decision to go public with the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in safeguarding their assets and the animals under their care. Taking a stand against such acts of theft, Neil’s actions highlight the unity and support within the local community to uphold ethical standards and protect innocent creatures from harm.