Ben Smith who has has chickens, chicks, cockerels and horse equipment stolen from a yard at Minster

by Lewis Dyson

A couple's dream of being self-sufficient was ruined when thieves stole dozens of their rare chicks.

Ben Smith and Rae Mort were devastated when their beloved pets were taken in what police described as an “unusual” burglary.

The animals, which included more than 20 chicks and 16 chickens, were being kept partly so the pair could save money on eggs.

The owners estimate the rare breeds - including Orpingtons, Legbars, Frizzles, Faverolles, Cochins, Brahmas and Dutch Bantams - are worth around £2,000.

Horse riding equipment was also taken from the stable on Chequers Road, Minster, sometime between the night of Sunday, July 7 and the following morning.

Mr Smith, who lives nearby on Chapel Street, said: “God knows how they got them all out.

“They slashed all of our cameras’ electronics and took the hard drive that had the recordings from the CCTV.

“It must have been planned weeks in advance because they knew where everything was and it was quite a sophisticated job.”

The 21-year-old said the thieves even went out of their way for the specific breeds while leaving others behind.

"it must have been planned weeks in advance because they knew where everything was and it was quite a sophisticated job…” – ben smith

The Abbey Hotel barman said he and his girlfriend were able to pay for the upkeep of the birds through the sale of their eggs.

“It started from pure enjoyment, then it turned into breeding them and we did have quite a few nice, rare breeds.

“It’s a bit of fun that pays us a return every now and again.

“I was seriously emotional [when the chickens were taken]. They are our pets more than anything, it’s like if anybody had their dog or cat nicked as far as I am concerned.”

Miss Mort, 24, said: “I still don’t know how to feel really, I just want them back.”

A spokesman for Kent Police said no arrests had been made and confirmed there was no CCTV available. She said: “It is unusual to have such a large number of animals stolen.”

• Anyone with information about the crime can contact Kent Police on 101, or Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111, quoting the crime reference number XY/20583/12.