Whanganui Police arrested two men on Monday 11 July 2016 after they were found to be in possession of 65 beehives taken from a property in Kai Iwi.
The two Whanganui men in their late 20s were arrested after Police received information from the owners of the hives. The hives were later recovered from a Turakina property.
There have been an increasing number of reported beehive thefts in the Central District recently so this is a timely reminder to the public to report suspicious behaviour involving beehives to Police. For example, beehives being transported on trailers and utes at unusual times.
Police believe thieves are likely to act at night when bees hav returned to their hives and there is less opportunity to be seen by nearby farmers and members of the public.
Detective Karl Reyland says it is common practice for beekeepers to shift hives just before dawn and after dusk using small utes. However, police need help from the public and request people to be extra vigilant.
“We urge members of the public to report suspicious vehicles carrying beehives. If you are unable to phone police at the time, take a note of the type of vehicle, registration number, location and direction of travel. If possible note the description of the beehives including colour and numbers and then call police when you can,” says Detective Reyland.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre