Theft of $150k worth of beehives from rural NSW property investigated by police
Consensus Summary
Police in New South Wales are investigating the theft of 80 beehive boxes valued at over $150,000 from a rural property on Bruxner Way, located 15 kilometers west of Bonshaw and 100 kilometers northwest of Glen Innes. The theft occurred between March 31 and May 6, 2026, and the stolen hives are described as cream-colored with blue and white lids. The Rural Crime Prevention Team is leading the investigation, urging anyone with information to contact authorities or Crime Stoppers. Beekeeper Mitch McLennan from Tabulam suggested the thieves were likely fellow beekeepers, citing desperation in the industry due to the varroa destructor mite, which has devastated bee populations since 2022. He noted that hive thefts have become more common as beekeepers struggle to protect their livelihoods.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- 80 beehive boxes worth over $150,000 were stolen from a rural NSW property on Bruxner Way, 15km west of Bonshaw and 100km northwest of Glen Innes
- The theft occurred between Tuesday 31 March 2026 and Wednesday 6 May 2026
- The stolen beehives are described as predominantly cream-colored with blue base boards, blue and white lids, and red clear boards
- NSW Police’s Rural Crime Prevention Team is investigating the theft
- Police are urging anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000)
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Police say the boxes contained active bee colonies.
- Mitch McLennan, a beekeeper from The Honey Shed in Tabulam, suggested the thieves were likely fellow beekeepers, stating 'The only people that steal bees are beekeepers.'
- McLennan attributed the rise in hive thefts to the varroa destructor mite, which has devastated bee populations since its detection in Australia in June 2022.
- McLennan mentioned that beekeepers often place hives on public land, making them vulnerable to theft, and he keeps his own hives behind three locked gates for security.
- McLennan said hive thefts have 'become quite commonplace now' due to desperation among beekeepers losing bees to varroa destructor.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- No contradictions found between the two sources.
Source Articles
Bizarre $150k theft from rural property
A brazen thief has allegedly made off with 80 beehive boxes and their live bee colonies in a $150,000 heist.
Police search for thieves who allegedly stole $150,000 worth of beehives from rural NSW property
Local beekeeper Mitch McLennan says hive thefts have become ‘quite commonplace’ due to rise of parasitic varroa mites Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Police are searching for thieves who allegedly stole $150,000 worth of beehives from a rural property in the New South Wales northern tablelands, with a local apiarist saying they may well have been taken by a fellow beekeeper. Eighty beehive boxes containing active