Stores in a flap at theft of chickens (From The Argus)

Stores in a flap at theft of chickens

7:40am Friday 11th July 2008 in News By Miles Godfrey

Plucking up the courage to go out in public dressed as a chicken is not easy.

Maybe a dash of Famous Grouse or Hen-nessy might do the trick?

Either way, you know things have got a bit drastic when you are sent on an assignment to see if people really are turning to theft to beat the credit crunch.

But it appears that is exactly what is happening because Sainsbury's has started putting security tags on its chickens after a spate of thefts.

Theft of metal drains and lead roofing has also hit record highs as crooks attempt to make a fast buck in this climate of poverty and looming recession.

Nothing is off-limits to the villains, it seems. They certainly don't need any egging on.

They are of course, risking doing some bird in the process. But a spell in the coup doesn't seem much of a deterrent to those determined to out-fox the credit crunch. William Martin, 81, from Brighton, said: "The cost of even basic things has gone up so much.

"Me and the wife have cut back a bit on some things, mainly luxuries and days out.

"I can't even afford to go and watch the Albion any more, it's got so expensive."

But Mr Martin said he would never consider stealing anything to make ends meet.

The pensioner added: "We'll get by, like everyone I suppose. But you do wonder where all this is going to end."

Cara Greenfield, manager of Select fashion-wear in George Street, Hove, said she would not go so far as to steal something.

She said: "I'd like to think I'm better than stealing a chicken. I'm classier than that.

"Everything is more expensive these days but I'm doing okay. The credit crunch hasn't destroyed my finances yet.

"Having said that, I know other people who really are struggling."

Pals Lesley Upton, 26, and Becky Redwood, 20, who work for a charity, said they'd noticed the number of donations people give had dropped.

Miss Upton said: "The first thing people cut back on is giving to charity.

We've definitely struggled more at work. I'm not personally struggling but I have noticed the cost of petrol going up."

• Would you risk some bird for a free meal or are you chicken? Join the debate below.