THIEVES have stolen a quartet of prized pedigree hens.

The four white Sussex bantams were snatched from an enclosure at Birchencliffe Hill Road, Lindley, in the early hours of March 5.

The thieves snapped off a padlock to grab the birds, which were enjoying their retirement after a career of laying eggs.

The bird’s owner believes his bantams were stolen by someone with knowledge of hen breeds because a crossbred hen and a duck were left in the enclosure.

The owner, who did not want to be named, said: “They were thoroughbred hens. I was gutted when I found them gone. I’m concerned what’s happened to them.

“Someone’s seen them running in the field and probably knew someone who wanted them.”

Anyone who has any information on the theft or has been offered white Sussex bantams should call Huddersfield Police on 0845 6060606.