Cops 'had to laugh' after bird stole Brit's cash

A British tourist says a police officer burst out laughing when he reported his money had been stolen - by a parrot.

Peter Leach was visiting a New Zealand beauty spot when a kea parrot snatched the equivalent of £600 from his camper van.

The bird flew into the vehicle and snatched the cash from the dashboard while Mr Leach was taking photographs at Arthur's Pass.

The 52-year-old, from Glasgow, was unaware of the theft until two fellow tourists pointed it out, reports the Scottish Daily Record.

"A Canadian couple walked by and said, 'We've just seen that bird take something out of your van'," Mr Leach said.

It turned out the parrot had taken all of the money he had - except for £20 in his pocket. He reported to incident to police, but the chances of retrieving the currency are slim.

"The officer was very serious for the first few questions," Mr Leach said. "Then he said, 'Do you mind if I just stop to laugh?' I suppose I can't blame him."

Keas are native to New Zealand and known for their intelligence. They have been blamed for vandalising cars, breaking off wing mirrors and windscreen wipers.

Zoologist Mark Cawardine described them as "a devilish mountain parrot feared by hire car companies".

Mr Leach remains determined to continue on his travels, with friends apparently loaning him money for the rest of the trip.