Bee theft in Australia: Over 800,000 bees stolen from Queensland farms

Commercial beekeepers across Queensland's Atherton Tablelands in northern Australia are dealing with major financial losses following the disappearance of dozens of established honeybee colonies. Authorities report that more than 800,000 bees have been stolen in a series of coordinated raids, prompting police to investigate whether the perpetrators possess professional beekeeping expertise.

The missing colonies were uncovered during routine operational checks by local producers. At a property in Kairi, 14 hives were found completely empty, while at another location, 41 commercial hives were systematically stripped of their bees, brood, and frames. Because a single commercial hive houses thousands of Kairi and regional insects, the total missing population quickly surpassed 800,000 bees.

Investigators noted that the hives were not merely damaged or abandoned. The deliberate removal of active colonies, brood, and frames indicates that the insects were harvested to remain viable, raising suspicions that the bees may be integrated into other commercial operations for honey production or agricultural pollination.

The economic impact extends well beyond the physical value of the insects. One affected operator estimated the value of the stolen hives at approximately A$20,000, but total losses are expected to run much higher when accounting for lost honey yields and missed agricultural pollination contracts. The thefts occurred around the crucial avocado-growing season, a time when commercial pollination demand peaks.

This unusual crime compounds existing pressures on the regional apiculture industry, which is already struggling to manage devastating varroa mite infestations. Police investigations remain ongoing as authorities search for leads on the missing colonies and the experienced handlers behind the bizarre raids.