A PENSIONER devastated by the theft of 33 prized racing pigeons has appealed for help tracking down the thieves.

Gordon Stevenson, 68, said the young birds, worth about £950, were stolen from a cree in Woodside Gardens allotments, in Sacriston, County Durham.

Mr Stevenson, who was left with only three pigeons, said: "It must have been someone who was watching the allotments. I had two locks on the cree, but they used a crowbar to break both. They also stole four pigeon baskets.

"I was devastated and was going to pack it in, but my wife encouraged me not to and friends have given me some more pigeons to keep me going."

Mr Stevenson said the thieves would not be able to race the pigeons because they were ringed and clearly identifiable.

Even if they removed the rings, they would be unable to fit new ones because the birds had grown.

The pigeons could only be used for breeding, he said.

Mr Stevenson added: "If anyone notices anyone who suddenly has a lot of pigeons, they should be suspicious because they would cost a lot of money."

PC Helen Mitchell said the thieves must have used a vehicle for their getaway from the cree, which was out of view of surrounding properties.

The thieves also stole hens from two nearby owners on the same night.

Anyone with information on the thefts between 4.30pm on Tuesday, September 21, and 8am on Wednesday September 22, is asked to contact police on 0191- 388 4311.