A suspected bird thief has been stopped by police.

Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team have seized four high-quality bird boxes from an individual they believe had been planning to steal wild bird eggs or hatchlings.

On Tuesday, January 21, officers donated the boxes to the rangers at Brereton Heath Nature Reserve, ensuring they're put to good use in supporting local wildlife conservation efforts.

PC Rob Stordy said: "Rest assured, we'll continue to monitor the situation and keep a close eye on the original suspect who is well known to us, to prevent any future harm to our local wildlife."

Police were first made aware of the individual, from the Warrington area, at the end of 2024.

Officers suspected that they might be planning to steal bird eggs or hatchling birds from woodlands in the north of the county.

"After careful consideration we decided to intervene before any harm was caused," PC Stordy added

"Although we were unable to prove any criminal intention on this occasion, we were able to seize four high-quality bird boxes."