"The bird of prey that patrols the skies of Wimbledon has been stolen. Rufus, a Harris hawk who keeps pigeons away from the All England Club, was stolen along with his cage overnight between Thursday and Friday. Detectives are investigating the theft and have appealed for help from members of the public to find the missing bird. A police spokesman said Rufus was taken from a car parked on a private drive in Dunstall Road, Wimbledon, with the rear window open for ventilation. The hawk, which deters pigeons purely by his presence, is also a family pet, he said. "The family has become very attached to the bird, who is now four and a half years old. They are distressed over the theft and are appealing for help to recover the bird."" - John (bird whisperer) from Bookmarklet

"Hawking was first introduced to the All England Club in 1999. Hawks are trained not to attack but to circle the courts to scare pigeons. Rufus was flown each morning and evening of the tournament, but not during play so as to avoid any distraction." - John (bird whisperer)

It was found and returned: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport... - John (bird whisperer)