Beekeeper Suspected in $150K Hive Theft

A substantial theft has left an apiarist in New South Wales' northern tablelands devastated, with thieves allegedly making off with $150,000 worth of beehives. Eighty complete beehive boxes, housing active colonies, were stolen from a property on Bruxner Way, located west of Bonshaw. The alleged incident is believed to have taken place over a period stretching from March 31 to May 6.

The NSW police rural crime prevention team has initiated an investigation into the sophisticated crime. The missing hives are distinct, described as primarily cream-colored with specific blue and white lids and red clear boards. Authorities are appealing to the public for any relevant dashcam or mobile phone footage from the period, or any information that could assist investigators.

Local beekeepers, like Mitch McLennan from The Honey Shed, expressed concern, suggesting that the thieves are almost certainly fellow apiarists. He noted that such thefts have become increasingly common, driven by industry pressures such as the varroa destructor mite, which has significantly impacted bee populations nationwide since its detection in June 2022. McLennan emphasized the vulnerability of hives placed on public land and stated his own secure methods for protecting his valuable bee colonies.