Thieves steal 800,000 bees in sophisticated operation across far north
About 800,000 bees worth tens of thousands of dollars were stolen from 44 hives in far north Queensland in a planned theft.
An estimated 800,000 bees worth tens of thousands of dollars were stolen from properties across the Atherton Tablelands west of Cairns. Thieves took 44 colonies from three beekeepers in what experts call the largest theft in memory.
The operation needed specialist equipment and careful planning. Rather than stealing entire hives, thieves removed only the brood box, which holds the queen and larvae.
The remaining hive looked untouched. They used trucks and transferred the frames into their own boxes on site.
Each hive held at least 20,000 bees. But growers lose not just the stolen insects but pollination contracts worth thousands each, as the bees worked on avocado farms during peak season.
Disrupted pollination means lower-quality fruit. Police believe the culprits are commercial beekeepers.
- 800,000
- Bees stolen
- 44 colonies
- Hives targeted
- at least 20,000 bees
- Per hive population
- Atherton Tablelands west of Cairns
- Location
Why it mattersBee theft destroys pollination contracts for local growers and creates immediate honey and food security pressure as the industry faces varroa mite crisis.
AustraliaFar north Queensland's avocado farmers lose pollination services at peak harvest season. Australia's beekeeping industry, already stressed by the varroa mite outbreak, now faces organised criminal activity targeting colonies.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
