Abbotsford Police are perplexed by a recent rash of pigeon thefts.
Const. Ian MacDonald said approximately 5,300 pigeons have been stolen from three local farms since last fall.
The first incident took place in northeast Abbotsford in November and involved the heist of 4,000 birds.
The second occurred in early February at a property near the Abbotsford airport, resulting in 1,300 pigeons being stolen.
The third one was last week in southwest Abbotsford, where 50 birds were taken.
MacDonald said the pigeons were all being raised to be sold for food. He said each bird would garner $3 to $10.
However, police are stymied by who would have the means to move so many birds and how they would sell them, he added.
Pigeon is known as squab in the culinary world. It is eaten in many countries, including France, the U.S., Italy and several Asian countries.
Meanwhile, MacDonald said police are also looking into the theft of seven Boer goats from a property in the Blueridge/Mt. Lehman area.
He said the pigeon and goat thefts are being compared to similar incidents outside of Abbotsford.
"There definitely have been livestock thefts in neighbouring jurisdictions."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.