THIEVES stole equipment belonging to a champion fisherman and released a pet parrot when they broke into a garden shed, in Lazenby, near Redcar, yesterday morning.
The haul of fishing gear is worth more than £3,000 and the fisherman, who wishes to remain anonymous, is hoping the rare equipment will be returned quickly as he is due to take part in a competition, in Belgium, in the next few weeks.
Among the items stolen were a 16m Garbolino Renaissance pole, worth £1,500, several other rods, a black six drawer box seat full of tackle, a rod pod, bite alarms and reels made by Mitchell and Shirmano.
The owner, who lives on the Grange estate, at Lazenby, said many items were prizes from competitions in Europe and are very distinctive.
The thieves also released a young black capped Conure parrot from the shed.
Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 302026 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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