Hive Theft in Kandiyohi County Has Some Beekeepers Buzzing

NEW LONDON (AP) - Authorities are trying to determine who stole a number of beehives and about $900 worth of unprocessed honey near the west-central Minnesota town of New London.

The theft happened sometime between Aug. 26 and Aug. 29 on private property just west of North U.S. Highway 71. Willmar Police Chief Jim Felt says the victim is a hobby beekeeper who tends to a number of hives in the area.

The beekeeper told Felt that he checked the hives a few days before the theft and that they were nearly ready to be harvested. When he returned Aug. 29, he noticed about 90-100 pints of honey and numerous bees had been stolen.

Scott County beekeeper Joseph Coffey that some beekeepers are upping security to protect their hives.