A high-tech solution has helped New Zealand beekeepers in their efforts to reduce theft of beehives by using satellite tracking to monitor hive movements. Police seized thousands of beehives, worth up to $1000 each, in a raid in the country’s Bay of Plenty region. They found a chop shop run by an organised crime group, with the hives being rigged for sale. A cache of ammunition and firearms were also found. Police commented that the thieves had a low skill level in regards to hive maintenance and hygiene. Only 40 hives were alive when they searched the property. A knowledge of beekeeping was indicated, as the hives were stolen at a time when they were being prepared for spring buildup; the thieves were not looking for honey product so much as an asset to on-sell.

A company called MyApiary had outfitted beekeepers with their Hive Tracker