PEOPLE have been put on alert following the theft of three valuable birds.

The Harris hawks were stolen as they sat on their perches in a staff-only display area at Falconry UK, at Sion Hill Hall, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

A reward is being offered for information that leads to the birds, which are together worth more than £1,000.

The fully trained hawks, one female and two males, were perched in a fenced-off lawned area when they were taken at about 1.45pm on Sunday.

A small white car was seen driving away with what appeared to be a hawk on the back seat.

It is thought the thieves looked at the site three days earlier, when people were seen acting suspiciously. Their car's number plate was noted and the car, which had been stolen, was found abandoned.

Police believe the thieves probably knew what they were doing as they took birds that do not need to have a lot of paperwork.

Ian Ashton, the centre's managing director, said: "One was one of our working birds, but the other pair belonged to a couple who had been on holiday. They had come back to collect them, but were watching our show when the birds were stolen.

"This is the first time anything like this has happened in the 11 years we have been here."

PC Ken Briggs said two suspicious men had been seen on the day. One was wearing a red top and was heavily tattooed.

Both were of a heavy build, in their 20s and had short hair.

Police are also trying to trace a small, red car that was seen in the area and may have connections with the Hartlepool area.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01609) 783131.