A coordinated theft across the Atherton Tablelands emptied 44 commercial hives, sparing the honey but taking the living colonies, local beekeeper Tom Bidner confirmed on September 10.
The thieves lifted whole frames—queens, brood and worker bees—into their own boxes, then re‑assembled the original hives. A truck and specialised tools were reportedly used, and the job could have taken several hours, Detective Sergeant Ben Cross told ABC.
Commercial colonies are worth more than the honey they produce. Bidner estimates the loss at up to A$20 000 in honey and another A$10 000 in pollination contracts, with future honey output also at risk. The theft hit farms just as the avocado season peaks, a time when pollination is critical to yield.
Police suspect the culprit is familiar with commercial beekeeping rather than a hobbyist. The investigation is combing CCTV footage, interviewing local farmers and asking for any knowledge of a beekeeper with the right equipment. Cross urged anyone with information to come forward.
The theft comes amid Queensland’s battle with the varroa mite, which was first detected there in September 2026. While the parasite is not linked to the theft, its spread adds pressure on already‑stressed colonies.
The next step is a court‑scheduled hearing on October 15, where police will present evidence and potentially file charges against the suspect.