Gardeners in Bath are on high alert after chicken rustlers made off with one of their brood.
Intruders forced open the lock on the chicken coop in the Bloomfield Road allotments and made off with Amber, a treasured member of the group.
Another chicken from a neighbouring plot was also stolen, and gardeners are worried thieves will strike again.
The group of eight chickens are a community asset, and Tony Ambrose is concerned about Amber's welfare and the impact her disappearance will have on the other chickens.
He said: "The lock on the coop was forced and the chicken has been stolen, along with another chicken from a different group.
"We are very concerned about this as allotments are built on trust, and this is a breach of trust.
"We are also worried about the other chickens, as chickens have character, and it can be difficult to introduce another one into the group.
"I don't know why someone would steal her, I feel it may be youngsters doing it for a laugh."
Amber is a small cream coloured chicken, who has been named after her breed - Amber Star.
The other missing chicken is a large grey speckled one.
If you spot either chicken call the newsdesk on 01225 322206 or email news@bathchron.co.uk.
