Hemsby couple upset over hen theft

A HEMSBY couple have been left devastated after thieves snatched four of six hens from their allotment just days after they had bought them.Sales rep Michael Lea bought the hens on Tuesday and housed them in a new hen hut bought on Thursday for his allotment plot in Freemantle Road, Great Yarmouth.

A HEMSBY couple have been left devastated after thieves snatched four of six hens from their allotment just days after they had bought them.

Sales rep Michael Lea bought the hens on Tuesday and housed them in a new hen hut bought on Thursday for his allotment plot in Freemantle Road, Great Yarmouth.

But when Mr Lea, who lives in Fakes Road with wife Susan, went to feed his hens on Monday he found the padlock on the hut's door had been broken, the chicken run had been entered and four hens had been taken.

Blood had also been found and Mr Lea said police were carrying out forensic tests to determine whether the blood had come from the chickens or the thieves.

Mrs Lea, who works as a mystery shopper, said: “It is very disheartening that this has happened. The chickens were not beneficial to anyone- we considered them to be our pets.”

She added: “It is a lot like somebody breaking into your house. They have imposed on our allotment.”

Mr Lea bought the six hens to become more self-sufficient following the economic downturn and also because he enjoyed rearing hens as a hobby.

Police spokesman Jon Dack said the theft happened sometime between 7pm on Monday and 8am on Tuesday.

“I don't know why some people in this world have to go and nick four hens. I would rather give them �4 to spend on chicken at a local supermarket,” Mrs Lea added.

Anyone with information in relation to the theft should phone Norfolk police on 0845 4564567.