UPDATE 1pm: Bee thefts are on the rise and stolen hives could be headed interstate, local apiarists have said.
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Castlemaine beekeepers Bob and Eileen McDonald said the number of hive thefts increased past three to four years, coinciding with a “dramatic” rise in the price of honey.
“There's a fair bit of money to be made in pollination,” he said, with apiarists transporting their hives to areas like the Murray River, where this year thousands of new hives were requested on almond orchards.
“We believe opportunists see a chance to put a few hives in, if they can get them in,” Mr McDonald’s wife, Eileen, said.
About 110 hives went missing from that region last August.
While the boxes might be branded with a stencil, it could quickly be covered up with a coat of paint, Mr McDonald said.
Security was also an ongoing concern for apiarists, many of whom leased land in national parks to house their hives.
“Generally, once the bees are put there, it’s a ‘best of luck’ sort of thing,” he said.
EARLIER: Anyone with information about the Chewton theft should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or phone LCS Cairnes at Castlemaine police station on 5470 4100.
The theft of 55 bee boxes from a field near Castlemaine is the work of well-equipped criminals, police have said.
Leading Senior Constable Wayne Cairnes said the boxes were taken from the Chewton paddock in the three days prior to January 2.
The beekeeper, who put the boxes there two weeks earlier, was distraught at the loss, the police officer said, with the objects valued at $20,000.
He has also been robbed of up to $60,000 in income from honey production.
“There’s money in honey,” LSC Cairnes said.
With each box weighing as much as 20 kilograms, police believe those responsible would have used a large truck or tray to transport the boxes.
They would also have needed knowledge of bees and protective clothing.
“Bees can also be very aggressive and, when disturbed, can swarm and attack,” LSC Cairnes said.
“It’s sad to see a hard-working man working with nature making a honest living and someone just takes it from you.”
Anyone with information about the theft should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or phone LCS Cairnes at Castlemaine police station on 5470 4100.
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
