Have you seen Jacko the cockatoo?

PORTARLINGTON police are appealing for public assistance after Jacko the cockatoo was stolen from a store in Drysdale at the weekend, and the store’s owners are very concerned about the bird’s welfare.

Police have been told an unknown offender climbed over the front fence of Drysdale Home Timber & Hardware on Murradoc Road just before 9pm on Saturday.

It is believed the thief removed the bird from the cage and fled the scene.

Jacko is a yellow-crested cockatoo and is believed to be aged in his 20s.

In an update on their Facebook page just before 10am today (Monday, September 13), Drysdale Home Living and Hardware wrote that Jacko – who has a distinctive broken scissor beak – was still missing.

“Time is now of critical importance to Jacko’s welfare.

“Jacko can’t fly and may be in a parkland somewhere. He is most probably dehydrated and cold.

“Jacko usually says his name, or ‘hello Jacko’. He can neigh like a horse or make a whinging sound.

“Please, if you find Jacko, take him to the Drysdale Bell vet (Bellarine Veterinary Practice) for welfare and let us know ASAP.”

Investigators have released an image of a man that may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 18000 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.