Police today urged parrot owners to get their birds security chipped to try to stop a wave of thefts.

Burglars have turned their attention to stealing the exotic birds - some of which can be sold on for thousands of pounds.

The latest victim is 52-year-old Veronica Pilling, who had her African Grey called Joey stolen from his cage as she slept at her home in Ravenscliffe Avenue, Ravenscliffe, at 2.30am yesterday.

She was woken as burglars smashed through her living room window to grab the bird from its cage.

Miss Pilling bought Joey 18 months ago for £300 from a bird dealer in Rotherham and is distraught over the theft.

"Joey was like a baby to me. I've never had children and it's like losing a baby," she said.

"He was my pride and joy, somebody I could talk to. He would mimic me and I'm really devastated that he's gone."

The Telegraph & Argus reported last week how two baby African Greys were stolen from the Newlin Pet store on Whitehall Road, Wyke.

PC Steve Downing, West Yorkshire Police's wildlife officer, said there have been at least seven parrot thefts in Bradford in the last three months.

"It's big business and goes on everywhere," he said. "Last year across the UK £175,000 worth of birds were stolen. Some birds can be worth up to £3,000 or £4,000."

PC Downing added that Joey has already probably been sold on for about £300.

"They know what they're doing because some of these parrots can be quite dangerous. If a bird can crack a nut with its beak it can take a finger off," he said.

He urged owners to have their birds fitted with an electronic identity chip, and to insist on a breeder's certificate when buying a bird to prove its authenticity and history.

"Chipping a bird costs about £15, it's a simple procedure and compared to the cost of the parrot the price is negligible," he said.

Joey is about 15ins high with a grey body and head, a red tail and has been trained to say 'Hello Joey', "What are you doing?' and 'Give us a kiss'.

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Eccleshill Police on (01274) 376059.