THE owner of an African grey parrot is pleading for help finding her beloved pet that swears when it falls off its perch and answers the phone with "Hello".
Jean Botham, of Newport, near Brough, fears for the safety of Jo Jo who was stolen after thieves ransacked her home last week.
Jo Jo has been with the Botham family for the past six years but he has a damaged wing and cannot fly, along with a damaged claw.
Mrs Botham said: "We were out on Wednesday morning and when we came back, the front door and porch had been smashed in.
"We checked throughout the house which had been searched but only Jo Jo has been taken.
"He has a broken wing and can't really fly.
"These birds are worth up to £700 and, even with a broken wing, Jo Jo is worth a bit."
While many parrots can talk, Jo Jo is particularly talented.
Mrs Botham said: "He is very talkative and will say anything. When the phone rings, he will shout out hello before we even answer it.
"He also swears a fair bit. He doesn't do it randomly but when something happens like falling off his perch.
"He just listens to people and picks things up."
Mrs Botham is worried what impact the ordeal will have on her pet. She said: "I am really distraught, he was a part of our family.
"There is no question he will be traumatised.
"There were red tail feathers scattered about and he will certainly have tried to bite the thieves.
"We are very concerned for his safety."
Pet detective and Parrot Society member John Hayward compiles the theft register for exotic animals.
He has been alerted to this latest theft.
He said: "We deal with thefts of all exotic species, especially birds.
"Unfortunately, a number of parrots are stolen each year as they are quite a commodity for thieves to trade in for ready cash.
"This particular burglary appears to have been targeted by thieves specifically to steal the pet African grey parrot from the home of Jean.
"Parrots can live for many years, perhaps 50 to 80 years, and bond with families who keep them as companion pets.
"It is therefore an extremely cruel type of crime and the chances are this parrot won't survive.
"Whatever the circumstances, the bird won't get fed its normal diet and this bird isn't 100 per cent fit and needs treatment.
"We need to get this bird back as soon as possible and anyone with information should call me on 07802 404929."
Humberside Police are also looking into the theft.
Investigating officer John Kynaston said: "The suspects entered the property by smashing a rear door, once inside the intruders searched the house and appear to have only taken the victim's pet parrot, Jo Jo.
"The victim of this crime is desperate to have Jo Jo returned to her.
"He has been their family pet for several years and they are worried about him being harmed.
"Investigations are ongoing into this burglary.
"However, whenever family pets are taken, it is particularly hard on the victims, so if anyone knows where Jo Jo is please contact the police as soon as possible so he can be reunited with his owner."
Anyone who knows anything about the theft of Jo Jo should call Humberside Police on 101.
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