A WOMAN has spoken of her heartbreak after nine parrots were stolen from an outbuilding at her Christchurch home.

The victim, who has asked not to be named, has had one of the birds for 20 years.

It is the second time burglars have targeted her property for the pets.

Police investigating the incident said the parrots were taken sometime between 6pm on Thursday, October 10 and 8am the following day.

Officers say the door to the outbuilding was forced open before the birds, which are worth around £9,000, were taken.

The stolen birds include two double yellow-headed, two African grey, two pink galah, a vinaceous, a meyer’s and a little corella.

The victim said: “It’s just been awful.

“I’ve had one of the parrots for 20 years, and he’s aged between 45 and 50. He’s a lovely boy and he really interacts with me.

“I would absolutely love to have them back and I hope someone knows something and decides to speak to the police about it.”

Around a decade ago, three pairs of parrots were stolen from the woman’s home. However, they were returned after some months because the animals are endangered, meaning they were impossible to sell on without proper documentation and certificates.

“I’m hopeful that the same thing will happen again this time,” the woman said.

“I just want them back.”

Anyone who has seen any parrots for sale in unusual circumstances is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190160678.