Lázaro Díaz, a 54-year-old homeless man, found himself in handcuffs after being accused by Hialeah police of climbing onto a rooftop to pilfer a number of prize-winning carrier pigeons. This unusual theft, caught on surveillance cameras, unfolded in the dead of night and highlighted a rare yet costly criminal act.
In the early hours of September 22, specifically just before 3 a.m., surveillance footage captured a man scaling the roof of a residence located in the 600 block of West 15th Street in Hialeah. The footage showed him placing several pigeons into a bag. According to the police report, some birds, which were outside the camera's view, were also taken and placed in an additional cage.
The authorities managed to identify the suspect as Lázaro Díaz, largely due to his distinctive tattoos visible in the footage. Díaz was already familiar to local officers, which facilitated his apprehension a few days later as he loitered around East Eighth Avenue and 26th Street at approximately 2 a.m.
High-Value Pigeons and a Niche Crime
These stolen birds were not your average city-dwelling pigeons; they were part of a collection of trained, prize-winning carrier pigeons, boasting significant economic and symbolic value. In the world of pigeon enthusiasts, these birds are the result of years of breeding, training, and participation in specialized competitions that test their speed, navigation skills, and homing abilities.
While authorities have yet to disclose the exact number of pigeons taken or their intended destination, the fact that they were placed in both a bag and a separate cage suggests plans to either sell them or use them secretly. Upon his arrest, Lázaro Díaz chose not to speak with detectives, instead invoking his rights. He now faces charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling and second-degree grand theft, offenses that carry severe penalties under Florida law.
A judge set Díaz's bail at $8,000, and he was subsequently taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK), where he remains in custody. This incident has stirred concern among South Florida's small yet passionate community of pigeon breeders.
Carrier pigeons, capable of traveling hundreds of miles, hold not only high economic value but also lie at the heart of a longstanding tradition passed down through generations. The theft was seen as more than just an isolated criminal act; it was perceived as an assault on the dedication and effort of breeders who devote years to training their birds. Many fear it could set a dangerous precedent in an environment where the security of their lofts is often overlooked by law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carrier Pigeon Theft
What makes carrier pigeons so valuable?
Carrier pigeons are highly valued for their ability to return to their home lofts from hundreds of miles away. They are specially bred and trained for competitions, which can significantly increase their economic and symbolic worth.
Why did Lázaro Díaz target these pigeons?
While Díaz has not disclosed his motives, the high value of the pigeons makes them an attractive target for theft, potentially for resale or clandestine use.
How did the police identify Díaz?
Authorities identified Díaz through distinctive tattoos captured in the surveillance footage, combined with his prior familiarity with local officers.