Heathrow hawk stolen in smash-and-grab raid near airport
A hawk which kept birds away from Heathrow Airport has been stolen.
Milo, a six-year old Harris Hawk, was stolen after a gang smashed their way into a van near Heathrow.
Owner Layla Bennett, 34, was checking into the Mercure hotel near the airport on Tuesday when the robbery took place.
Bennett, who is offering a £1,000 reward for Milo’s return, discovered the robbery when she went back to the van to bring Milo inside.
CCTV footage from the hotel showed three men breaking into the van and then using a falconry glove to remove the bird of prey, which they then drove off with him loose in the car.
Bennett told the Sun: “I believe they were looking for tools, which I didn’t have, but instead found Milo in the back.
“One of them tried to get him out by using the falconry glove I had in the back, but he wouldn’t come with them at first.
“He eventually did when they grabbed him forcefully, he was flapping and very distressed.
“Then they threw him into the car and drove off with him out of his box, loose.”
Bennett said she feared Milo’s life may now be at risk as the raptor would not take food from strangers.
She added: “I’ve had Milo since he hatched. He was bred to do the job he does.
“All I want is them to bring Milo back before it’s too late.
“I’m offering a reward if they bring him back or to anyone who can tell me where he is”
The three suspected thieves were driving a silver Mercedes C Class.