A Coldstream theft has created a buzz.
Five bee hives were stolen from the 7900 block of McClounie Road in sometime last week.
The hives had been placed there for the summer and the owner of the property had been away for a few days. The owner of the hives believes the theft had recently occurred as there were still numerous bees in the area. It’s suspected the theft took place at night and involved two people to lift the hives, which weighed between 100 and 300 pounds each.
“They would have had to have covered them probably and in all likelihood were well outfitted so they didn’t get stung,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
“It is an unusual theft in the sense that bees are something that isn’t easy to deal with, but it is lucrative for the individuals that are stealing it.
“It is something that it is not traceable but the honey in it is a valuable commodity.”
The hives are estimated to be worth between $3,000 and $3,200. But factoring in future lost income puts the theft value around $10,000.
Other beekeepers are asked to be vigilant with their hives as this isn’t the first theft of this nature.
“I recall last fall there were reports of several of them,” said Molendyk.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
