- Species: Quaker (Monk Parakeet) (See species list for details)
- Location: Moline, Illinois, United States 61265
- Date Lost: September 27, 2011
- Phone Number: (309) 762-9500
- Original URL: http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=15571832
Stolen parrot returned to Teske’s
Barb Ickes The Quad-City Times | Posted: Friday, September 30, 2011 5:26 pm
John Schultz The blue Quaker parrot that was stolen Tuesday from the Moline Teske’s fluffs its feathers outside its cage Friday at the store. The bird was returned sometime Thursday and found sitting on a fish tank. (John Schultz / Quad-City Times)
The 4-month-old blue Quaker parrot that was stolen Tuesday from the Moline Teske’s was evidently sneaked back into the pet shop sometime after 5 p.m. Thursday.
The $500 bird (a blood test is required to show gender) was sitting on top of a fish tank when it was spotted by an employee, said George Bingham, general manager of Teske’s.
“It could not have flown up there,” he said, noting the bird’s wings have been clipped. “It can hop to a soft landing, but it can only fly downward. Somebody had to set it up there.”
The likely explanation, given the layout of the store, is that someone entered through the open side door and slipped instantly down the darkened fish-tank aisle, which is directly inside the door.
A risky move, for sure, but Bingham is grateful for it.
“We want to send out our thanks to the community,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many people called or came in, asking about him. People have shown real concern, and we’re real grateful for that.”
Moline Police Detective Scott Williams said the media coverage of the theft compelled the thieves to rethink their decision.
“For those of you who ran the story please know that the immediate attention you provided prompted the individual to return the bird,” he wrote in a news release Friday. “The bird is healthy and in good spirits. Before you call: NO. We have not asked the bird who the suspect was or where he was taken. (However, he did ask for a cracker.)”
Surveillance video does not show the parrot being returned.
In footage from Tuesday, two men were seen at the bird cages. One appeared to be the lookout, and the other walked out of the store with the bird on his arm. Both men were wearing hats, and their faces were not visible.
When the parrot was being photographed Friday by the Quad-City Times, a customer hustled over to ask whether it was “The Bird” that had been stolen.
“See what I mean?” Bingham asked.
Read more: http://www.qctimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/columnists/barb-ickes/stolen-parrot-returned-to-teske-s/article_d557adb8-eb12-11e0-9ce8-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1ZTykAz8Q
—–
Moline police are looking for a stolen bird. Surveillance photographs show two men taking a blue Quaker parrot from the Teske’s garden and pet store on 16th Street Tuesday afternoon.
Police say after a short time in the store, one of the suspects removed the exotic bird from a cage while the other suspect acted as a lookout. Then, they both walked out the door with the parrot perched on one of their hands.
The bird is valued at $500. If you have any information, you’re asked to call Quad City Crime Stoppers at (309) 762-9500.