MIAMI (WSVN) — A South Florida bird thief was caught on camera stealing a pair of cockatiels from a home in Little Havana.
Surveillance video captured the crook taking the birds and a cage from a home located along Southwest Ninth Street and 18th Avenue, early Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, another homeowner woke up Thursday morning missing her two pet Macaws. Those parrots were stolen from a home located on Northwest 18th Street and 17th Avenue.
The family has been left heartbroken. "These birds are more than just pets to us," said the Macaws’ owner, Mary Lopez in tears. "They’re our family. They’re like my kids, and it hurts a lot for somebody to do that. These were like my children. I went out with them everywhere — to the vet, everywhere. These are like my children. I don’t know how to explain it because I’m just so devastated."
Lopez searched pet shops and said three men tried to sell the birds at a shop on Flagler Street, but when they refused to show identification, the owner wouldn’t take the birds. "If you’re willing to give back the birds, we’re willing to forgive and just forget," said the other owner.
There is no word if the two cases are related. However, both owners want their birds back. "I’ll pay you, I don’t care," Lopez said.
If you have any information that could help police find these birds, please call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.