BEEHIVE thefts continue to sting apiarists across the Swan Hill region, with a string of incidents in recent weeks resulting in more than 100 stolen hives representing a combined worth of $40,000.
Last month The Guardian reported on the theft of 60 beehives from private property on Annuello-Wemen Road, near Robinvale and two separate incidents have since been reported — 40 hives stolen from a dryland farm in Sea Lake and 12 hives taken from Shaggy Ridge Road, Happy Valley.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) apiary officer Daniel Martin said the culprit was a member of the apiary industry since successfully moving live hives requires an intimate knowledge of bees.
“Someone who is stealing hives of that quality knows what they are doing,” Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin also said moving hives is common this time of year as apiarists prepare for almond pollination season, so the person responsible for the theft would not arise suspicion.
Beehive thefts have occurred in the region before, but not to this extent and Detective Senior Constable Matt Pascoe from Robinvale Police urged residents of Swan Hill, Robinvale and surrounds to stay vigilant.
“It’s a difficult property to locate because it’s often stored in remote bush land,” he said.
“If you see small trailers or utes at strange times of the day, report it to the police.”
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