s=10AN ENFIELD bird shop may be forced out of business after being targeted by callous thieves for the fifth time this year.o

Thieves swooped once again on Crews Hill Bird Centre on Thursday evening, stealing nine parrots worth a total of £8,000.

The family run shop, in Theobalds Park Road, has had between 35 and 40 expensive birds stolen between January and November this year.

In the past month it has been burgled three times and the cages which were once home to some of the world's most beautiful birds now stand empty.

Owner Bob Mota said: "We were almost beginning to get back to normal but this has demolished us. It has finished us. We are making £30 to £40 a day and are just waiting for miracles."

Bob, 42, who has run the shop for three years, is also worried about the safety of his pet blue eyed cockatoo, Zoe, who was taken by the thieves.

He said: "I can't stop thinking about Zoe, I was very attached to her. I used to take her home every night but I left her in the shop because we were in the process of moving house.

"Walking into the shop means nothing any more because she is not there. We are all very depressed."

Pet shops in the borough are now urged to be extra vigilant against thieves who see their shops as easy prey.

Many have already suffered financial and emotional loss as much loved pets and expensive species are snatched from their cages with little hope of being returned.

John Haywood, co-ordinator for the National Theft Register for Exotic Birds, said: "All bird shops should be vigilant. At the moment there is obviously a very active team of thieves operating in North London. These thieves are very accomplished, careful and callous.

"The birds are very sensitive and thieves in a rush bundle them into sacks; many birds do not survive. Thieves steal to order and put the birds in a breeding programme.

"We strongly recommend that all birds should be microchipped. It doesn't stop them being stolen but if they are recovered we can positively identify where they were stolen from.

"If possible don't leave birds on the premises overnight and make sure your premises are alarmed."

A reward is being offered for information received about the thefts. If you think you can help call Edmonton police on 8345 4441.