AN 'eggs-traordinary' plan hatched by thieves to purloin poultry from a chicken coop has left a family in a flap.

Beatrice Price and her daughter Pat Churchward say they are baffled about why anyone would want to steal their chickens.

But in the past two years nearly 50 have vanished from their Breinton home in the most mysterious of circumstances.

In the latest raid, 12 Black Rock hens were stolen during Saturday night's storms. Thieves attempted to use bolt cutters to break into the chicken house, but when that failed pulled the hinges off the door to gain access.

"I find it so bizarre that they are going to so much trouble to steal chickens that you can buy for next to nothing," said Mrs Churchward.

In fact a pitchfork that was stolen at the same time was worth more than four of the hens put together.

The break-in was the third time the family's chickens had been targeted in the past two years. Both previous raids had happened on bonfire night.

"They seem to pick nights when they know we will be distracted," said Mrs Price.

"Even though I only live yards from the chicken house, I wouldn't have heard anything on Saturday because of all the noise caused by the wind."

So mystified is the family about the thefts that Mrs Churchward is now offering a reward for information leading to a conviction.

"It's about time we found out who was behind this and why," she said.

Anyone with information should contact Mrs Churchward on 01432 272588 or Matthew Clayton at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.