30 valuable koi carp fish taken from garden pond

Up to 30 fish worth about £2,000 have been stolen from near Oswestry. Rachel Adams was stunned to discover the koi carp had gone from Maesbrook.

She had had the fish since she moved into the property more than five years ago, and said thieves must have electrocuted them to get them out.

Miss Adams said up to 30 fish had been stolen leaving only two in the pond.

She said that because it was winter she did not need to feed the fish as often, but when she went out into the garden yesterday she realised that they were no longer there.

"I went down to the pond and I noticed there were no bright colours in the water.

"I looked in and saw they had gone," she said.

"They have been stolen and whoever has done it must have been a professional.

"Someone came into our property and took them.

"It is amazing how they have done it. They must have electrified the fish."

She said the biggest one had weighed about 50lbs and that one of the fish might have been worth up to around £500.

Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said the theft had been reported to police and it was thought to have happened some time between January 4 and January 11.

He said the police were appealing for any information and that people could contact the Oswestry police station by calling the 101 number or alternatively, the free Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.