Organized crime syndicates in New Zealand are stealing and trading lucrative beehives, according to reports. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen, File)
Honey is liquid gold — and thieves in New Zealand want to tap into the industry’s skyrocketing prices.
Organized crime syndicates in that country are stealing and trading lucrative beehives, Reuters reports. Hive heists have risen with at least 400 bee or honey thefts in the final 6 months of 2016.
“There is nothing to suggest at this stage that beehive-honey theft is directly linked with a particular gang, but we do believe this offending is organized and likely being carried out by groups,” senor Sgt. Alasdair MacMillan, Coordinator of Community Policing for New Zealand Police.