THE Swan Hill Crime Investigation Unit is continuing inquiries into bee hive thefts across the region as another 11 hives have gone missing.
Following on from the theft of 110 hives at an estimated cost of $40,000 in July and early August in Robinvale and Manangatang, another two incidents have been reported.
Three days ago 11 hives were reported missing near the South Australia border in Dimboola. Police believe the theft could have occurred anytime in the last few months.
“This makes it very difficult to investigate as it is hard to work out the timing of events,” Swan Hill Crime Investigation Unit Detective senior constable Mal Simpson said.
He said that apiarists leave their hives in locations for months at a time and so the theft could have occurred at any time during this period.
Another theft in Panitya, near Murrayville, was also reported on August 27.
“In this case they have lost 10 double frame hives valued at $3500,” Detective senior constable Simpson said.
“All hives are fire branded and details of ownership recorded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
“It looks like somebody knows what they are doing.
“If anybody believes there is something suspicious, take down the location, vehicle make and rego details and call crime stoppers.”
Currently hives are being legitimately moved around our region by apiarist however anything that looks out of place should be reported, he said.
Information can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
