A big part of Alan Cook's home was stolen this week. It's actually a 5-foot statue of a rooster made of concrete and rebar, but it was the main attraction of his Turner Street house.
It's unique, said Cook, noting most people who walk by has a comment to make about the large, black bird situated beside his mailbox near the front door.
Cook bought his prized chicken from a collector in Langley many years ago, who had acquired it from an old chicken farm. When Cook, who does property maintenance, first saw the bird, he was flooded with memories of visiting his grandparents' farm as a child and knew he simply had to have it.
"I always thought the rooster was a cool bird," he said.
Cook collects antiques and hasn't seen else anything like it in his travels.
"I just want it back."
Cook isn't exactly sure when his chicken was taken. He remembers seeing it this past weekend, but as the days get darker sooner, he didn't notice it was missing until he was working in his yard Wednesday morning.
He was winterizing his garden when he had a funny feeling something was amiss.
He turned around and notice his black rooster with a red head and yellow feet was missing. He called his partner to ask if she knew where it was, but he didn't think she could move the 300 to 400 pound bird on her own.
Cook called police and checked the pawn shops.
"I'm still in shock," said Cook about his missing piece.
His bird has a broken talon on its left foot. He intended on fixing it eventually. He also though about bolting the statue down, but didn't think anyone could steal it.
Cook is offering a reward for the return of his beloved bird. No questions will be asked, he said.
Anyone with information about the missing chicken is asked to call Alan Cook at 604-226-4721.