Police pursue parrot pincher

POLICE are looking for a woman who stole two rare parrots from a Springvale pet shop by stuffing them in her handbag.
The two juvenile Sun Conure parrots are worth $1500 each and were stolen from the Australian Pet Superstore in Springvale between 1.15pm and 1.45pm on Tuesday 11 March.
Police have released an image of a woman they believe can help them with their investigation and have urged the public to notify them of her whereabouts.
It is believed that a woman entered the store, opened a cage, placed the two parrots in a large handbag and walked out of the store. Andrew Young, owner of Australian Pet Superstore, said the woman was in the store for about six minutes.
He said the parrots were hand raised so they would have made hardly any noise when they were stolen.
A reward is being offered on their safe arrival.
The woman is described as being Caucasian, about 168cm tall, of medium build, with light coloured hair.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.