Pigeon racing, once a cherished pastime in Belgium, has become a target for thieves due to the escalating value of these birds. Drones now patrol lofts where the pigeons are kept, security alarms are being set up, and live cameras are connected to mobile apps to deter potential theft. This shift reflects how these birds have transitioned from local favorites to valuable assets, with some fetching staggering prices; one bird recently sold for approximately 1.6 million euros (around $1.65 million).
As the popularity and worth of racing pigeons have surged, the sport faces a troubling rise in thefts. Pascal Bodengien, the leader of the Belgian Pigeon Racing Federation, reported a significant increase in bird thefts this winter, stating, “Not a week goes by without a theft somewhere.” A single theft recently resulted in the loss of around 100,000 euros (over $102,000) worth of pigeons, yet, tragically, no arrests have been made in these cases.
The value of a racing pigeon can range dramatically, from a few thousand euros to tens of thousands, highlighting the motivation behind these thefts. However, tracking losses is challenging due to the lack of centralized reporting and police investigations. The emotional toll on breeders is profound; for many, raising these birds is a labor of love spanning many years. The gentle cooing of pigeons often provides a comforting escape from daily life, and their success on the racing circuit brings great pride to their owners.
Frans Bungeneers, a devoted breeder for over fifty years, knows the pain of bird theft all too well. After a devastating robbery in 2016, where he lost nearly all of his top pigeons, Bungeneers described the experience as shattering. “I cried like a little boy because my life’s work was completely destroyed,” he recalled. Despite the thieves being caught, he never received any compensation, as the criminals were found to be insolvent.
For those pigeons that fall victim to theft, the chances of racing again are slim. Without proper documentation, they cannot compete in major events, making them less valuable to the thieves. Bodengien suspects many stolen birds are sold in Eastern European countries, noting that these thefts are often not adequately investigated, as they are frequently equated with the theft of ordinary livestock.
Bungeneers, a retired police officer, emphasized the need for more serious investigations into these crimes, arguing that valuable pigeons deserve the same attention as higher-profile stolen items. He illustrated the dismissive attitude some authorities have towards pigeon theft, comparing it to livestock theft. To enhance security, the racing federation has urged its members to be vigilant, advising them not to disclose their hobby to strangers and to report any suspicious activity.
With rising security measures, such as cameras and alarms, pigeon racing has transformed from a pleasurable hobby to a source of stress, as owners must constantly monitor their birds. Bungeneers noted that many hobbyists find the financial burden of enhanced security too great, leading some to abandon the sport altogether.
The essence of pigeon racing, once about enjoying the beauty of these birds in flight, is being overshadowed by the constant threat of theft, leaving many breeders feeling insecure in their own homes.
