Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
In a startling incident highlighting a surge in avian larceny across Belgium, the ‘Mona Lisa of pigeons,’ a prized racing bird, was among five valuable pigeons, collectively estimated at £625,000, pilfered by an organized gang. This theft underscores a recent ‘explosion’ of such crimes impacting the pigeon racing fraternity.
Champion Pigeon Breeder Targeted
Tom Van Gaver, a distinguished figure in champion pigeon racing, expressed his dismay upon discovering a break-in at his aviary last November. He found a portion of the entrance forcefully breached, revealing a distressing scene.
Theft of ‘Finn,’ the Prized Pigeon
Upon closer inspection, Mr. Van Gaver swiftly ascertained that several of his prized birds were missing. Among them was Finn, a celebrated breeder and a linchpin of his pigeon lineage.
Described by Van Gaver as ‘the Mona Lisa of the pigeon world,’ Finn is a father and grandfather to numerous champion racers, signifying his unparalleled worth in the sport.
CCTV Captures Brazen Theft
Surveillance footage captured a masked perpetrator seizing the unsuspecting bird before hastily placing him into a sack. The recorded visuals provided stark evidence of the audacious act.
Despite his ‘sad and upset’ feelings following the transgression, Mr. Van Gaver prioritized immediate action. He focused on fortifying vulnerabilities in his security apparatus to preemptively thwart subsequent intrusions.
Criminals Bypass Security Measures
Despite pre-existing security measures including cameras, robust locks, and sensors, Mr. Van Gaver had previously believed his property was adequately protected.
However, the perpetrators demonstrated ingenuity by circumventing these defenses. They gained access by breaching the loft roof, having strategically cut through hedges in adjacent gardens to reach his premises undetected.
Enhanced Security Post-Theft
In response to the breach, Mr. Van Gaver has significantly reinforced his home’s security. His property is now demarcated by a fence equipped with advanced laser sensors and surveillance cameras, creating a formidable perimeter.
Champion pigeon racer Tom Van Gaver was shocked when he walked into one of his aviaries last November to find part of the door had been smashed from the inside
Shocking CCTV footage shows a masked raider snatching the startled bird before bundling him into a bag
Tom Van Gaver’s aviary in Moortsele. Beefed up security now means Mr Van Gaver’s home is separated with a fence bearing laser sensors and cameras
Life Under Fortified Security
‘It is akin to residing in a prison within my own garden,’ Mr. Van Gaver lamented, reflecting on the stringent security measures now in place.
Rising Pigeon Thefts in Belgium
The incident involving Mr. Van Gaver’s pigeons is symptomatic of a broader trend plaguing the pigeon racing fraternity in Belgium, a nation historically recognized as the cradle of this sport.
Patrick Marsille, the secretary general of the Royal Belgian Pigeon Federation, acknowledged the escalating issue. ‘The problem has been persistent… however, it has seen an explosion in the past year,’ he stated, underscoring the growing concern.
Pascal Bodengien, head of the Belgian Pigeon Racing Federation, echoed this sentiment, noting, ‘Hardly a week passes without a report of theft occurring somewhere,’ highlighting the pervasive nature of these criminal activities.
Scale of Pigeon Racing Crime
The federation estimates that approximately 15 separate thefts have transpired between October and mid-February alone, resulting in the disappearance of around 500 birds. This data illustrates the significant scale of the problem impacting pigeon fanciers.
Organized Crime and Pigeon Breeding
Mr. Marsille postulates that these are not random acts but rather orchestrated operations by criminal entities originating from eastern Europe. These groups purportedly target specific high-value birds or breeders, aiming to acquire champion pigeons for breeding purposes, thereby profiting from their lineage.
History and Current Status of Pigeon Racing
Once dubbed ‘the horse racing of the working class,’ pigeon racing originated in the coal-mining regions near Liège during the 19th century in Belgium. The sport reached its zenith post-World War II, boasting approximately 200,000 enthusiasts in 1950.
Presently, the sport experiences diminished popularity. Furthermore, animal rights advocates and ethicists have voiced concerns regarding the welfare of the birds, particularly citing the duress imposed during arduous long-distance competitions.
The Belgian Pigeon Federation asserts its commitment to animal welfare, mandating that members prioritize the wellbeing of their birds.
Pigeon Racing Competitions Explained
In a typical race, pigeons are transported to a designated location and released to navigate their way back to their respective lofts, often traversing distances spanning hundreds of kilometers.
The victor is determined by the fastest bird, with speed calculated in meters per minute, utilizing an ankle-mounted tag electronically synced with a loft sensor. This tag and sensor system ensures precise timing and fair competition.