An 18-year-old man is in police custody after dozens of layer chickens were allegedly stolen from a poultry coop at the Antigua Grammar School in St. John’s.

According to Observer Media, the incident occurred sometime between the morning of July 16 and July 17, when 48 layer chickens, each valued at EC$60, disappeared from the school’s poultry facility.

The theft was reportedly brought to the attention of police by the school’s principal after staff discovered the coop had been broken into. The enclosure, which is constructed of plywood and galvanized sheeting, had reportedly been secured at around 9 a.m. on July 16. However, when a staff member returned to check on the birds at approximately 11:30 a.m. the following day, the coop was found unsecured and the chickens were gone.

Investigators who examined the scene reportedly found that a section of plywood on the eastern side of the coop had been pried away using what appeared to be a hard object, creating an opening large enough to gain access to the birds.

Acting on information received during the investigation, police reportedly carried out a search in the Kentish Road area, where 28 brown layer chickens were recovered. The birds were later identified by a member of staff at Antigua Grammar School as part of those stolen from the coop.

The recovered chickens were photographed as part of the investigation before being returned to the school.

An 18-year-old resident of Kentish Road was taken into custody in connection with the case and remains in police custody. Up to the time of publication, no charges had been announced.

Forensic officers also processed the crime scene as investigations into the alleged theft continue.