Thieves stole dozens of birds from aviaries in the last week prompting calls for rural communities to be alert.

Finches, weavers and canaries were among the haul of more than 50 birds ransacked from properties near Folkestone and Ashford.

A property near to Stowting was targeted twice between Friday - Sunday 20 where an aviary was broken into and birds stolen, police understand.

Another theft - where more than 50 birds and two ferrets were reported stolen from a property near Lyminge - happened overnight between Sunday and Monday.

Chaffinches, crossbills, twites, siskins and redpolls, 14 goldfinches and 2 pied bullfinches were some of the birds taken.

Kent Police's Rural Task Force has warned people to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw said: "While we investigate these reports we urge people living in the rural areas with birds and other animals to be vigilant and call us regarding any suspicious activity.

"It’s wise to check your security measures too and ensure you take steps to keep your property as secure as possible.

"Install CCTV if you can and consider installing extra lighting and burglar alarms if you don’t have these already."

Anyone who has information or has been offered any birds for sale over the past couple of days or anyone who witnessed anything suspicious should call 01843 222 289 quoting reference 21-0207.

For more security advice visit kent.police.uk/advice/rural-crime/ and www.kent.police.uk/burglary/