Police are appealing for information after two owls were stolen from the garden of a property in Wheatley.

The owls are believed to have been stolen from inside an aviary at the property in London Road, some time 7pm and 11pm on October 21.

Police said the theft was not reported to them until Friday, as the owner had made attempts to locate the birds herself by offering a £500 reward for their return.

The two seven-month-old barn owls, called Romeo and Juliet, have their flight wings and so are capable of flying, but have not been ringed or marked.

PC Andy Smith said: “The owner is very distressed by the theft and has gone to great lengths to try and find the owls.

“The theft of the birds has been reported to St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital and the RSPCA, who know to contact us if they get any reports of sightings or have birds of this type brought into them.

“These birds are extremely precious to their owner and any help the public can give us would be greatly appreciated. If you know of their whereabouts, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Smith via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.