Impact of bird of prey centre break-in outlined

A family who run a bird of prey centre have explained the impact of a break-in on the attraction and themselves.

Thieves ransacked York Bird of Prey Centre in the early hours of 13 January.

The site's shop and storage area were targeted plus tools used onsite and personal items from the family were snatched with the total cost of replacement and repairs estimated at £10,000.

Centre owner Andy Fawcett said the criminals also stole his 10-year-old son's camera, containing family holiday photos: "You can replace things, you can buy a new drill for working purposes, but when they take something that is your children's that hits you personally."

The centre, in Huby, is run by Andrew and wife Claire with the help of 15 volunteers.

Since being established in 2011, the centre has grown to now be home to 100 birds of 45 different species.

Mr Fawcett said when he arrived after the break-in "all the tables were moved and the chairs were on the floor".

He added: "We later realised other rooms had been wrecked".

An online fundraising page has been set up in the wake of the damage and the couple said a planned expansion may need to put on hold.

Mrs Fawcett said: "Having to move locations and with all the tools been targeted,this has obviously had a massive impact on the build and financials."

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