News

Crooks pull pigeon heist in Aquebogue

Someone stole more than 100 show pigeons from a coop at an Aquebogue farm last week. Some of the birds had reportedly piqued the interest of former heavyweight champion boxer and avid pigeon collector Mike Tyson, .

The theft was reported about 9:30 a.m. Friday, Riverhead Police said.

“I went there to feed them and I saw the lock was broken off,” said the birds’ owner, Charlie Bordsen of Mattituck. Police said the birds were worth about $4,000.

Mr. Bordsen said Mr. Tyson, who regularly attends pigeon shows, was interested in purchasing a few of his birds, known as flying flights.

Mr. Bordsen had promised to sell the former champ the birds after he entered them in a competition this year. But the birds in which Mr. Tyson had shown interest were among those missing, Mr. Bordsen lamented, while noting that he did not suspect Mr. Tyson in the theft. He said he still has about 200 birds.

He added that show pigeon thefts are quite common in New York City as certain birds can sell for as high as $150 to $200.

Mr. Bordsen is offering a $1,000 reward for the birds’ return. He is asking anyone with additional information to call Riverhead Police at 727-4500.

[email protected]

Looking to comment on this article? Send us a letter to the editor instead.