Thieves Steal Rare Birds from Concord Store, Community Urged to Help

On a Friday night, Feathered Follies in Concord, California, experienced a break-in that resulted in the theft of a beloved pet bird named Tofu, who has been part of the store since 2010. Tofu, valued at approximately $2,500, was taken from his cage after thieves broke a side window to access the room where the birds were kept. The owner, Mercedes Kemp, discovered the scene with the cages disturbed and evidence of the break-in, including a handprint on Tofu's cage and a bloodied feather on the floor. Kemp suspects that the thieves had prior knowledge of how to handle birds, indicating that Tofu was likely the primary target of the theft. She expressed her deep emotional connection to Tofu, describing him as a family member rather than just a pet. The incident has left her and the community in distress, as they rally to support the search for Tofu and another bird named Plato, who was also taken during the break-in. In response to the theft, Kemp has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a reward to encourage anyone with information to come forward. The community has shown significant support, with many individuals stepping up to help in the search for the stolen birds. Kemp is collaborating with the Concord Police Department to investigate the incident and hopes for a positive outcome. The theft of Tofu and Plato has raised awareness about the vulnerability of pet stores and the emotional toll such incidents can have on both owners and the community. The hope remains that the birds will be returned safely, and the community's involvement highlights the strong bonds formed between pet owners and their animals.