Yes, a slippery slope.
My hives are well tucked away. Mid to dark brown with postcode burned into the outside of each part . Hopefully, as there are only two hives, and landlord limits me to a maximum of four it will not be worthwhile for the dishonest. How disgusting to have criminals who misuse their knowledge of our wonderful beekeeping.Absolutely agree. I have my bees fairly well tucked away but paint them dark brown - not the seemingly fashionable bright colours which are I feel far too visible. I also put my name and phone number inside the brood boxes and supers with permanent marker, Probably won't deter the determined thief but perhaps will provide a surprise when they open up or try to sell on. I wonder if Google Earth satellite contributes to spotting apiaries?
Is it really though? . A few hives nicked here and there?Yes, a slippery slope.
Is it really though? . A few hives nicked here and there?
You obviously misunderstood. Vigilante retaliation and the consequences of those actions was the point I was making.Is it really though? . A few hives nicked here and there?
it wouldn't get triggered very often around here thenif something resembling a human comes into frame I get an alert on my phone and I can view live as well as activate a siren.
I’ve just watched Jason Statham in The Beekeeper” I Hope not!Vigilante retaliation and the consequences of those actions was the point I was making.
I used to be in a Wars of the Roses reenactment group.I am mortally afraid of thieves. They go equipped with no compunction about causing personal injuries to avoid getting caught.
I am suitably equipped with an old cricket bat to defend my person. And my family.
I had hives stolen and vandalised last year near Ipswich, Suffolk. Another beekeeper close by had the same. So it definitely does happen in our areaI wonder there's a regional variation in these crimes? I've not heard of rustling in Suffolk but I remember posting a pic of my honey sales box a few years ago whereupon JBM replied saying, in his neck of the woods, not only the honey but the boxes, poles and drainpipe through the hedge would disappear!
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Or substantial ground anchors and Heras fencing with a big chain and really big padlock - anything that makes it time consuming or difficult for thieves to get at or move the hives. It never fails to surprise me that out apiaries are so poorly protected by beekeepers - what's a colony of bees in a decent hive worth £350 + the loss of a honey crop ? Say £500 .... 5 or 6 hives £3000 in total.Invisible ink stamps on the frames doesn't stop it but it really makes your hives less targetable.
A note on the boxes saying 'these frames are stamped with my company name in invisible ink' means they have to shake the bees onto new frames/foundation. For thieves, that's much more work compared to burning the boxes and placing the frames into fresh poly nucs for sale.
A good idea for a YouTube piece. How to protect your hives.Invisible ink stamps on the frames doesn't stop it but it really makes your hives less targetable.
A note on the boxes saying 'these frames are stamped with my company name in invisible ink' means they have to shake the bees onto new frames/foundation. For thieves, that's much more work compared to burning the boxes and placing the frames into fresh poly nucs for sale.
Whatever happened to Stocks on the public green.Something that hurts is better. Confiscate all the kit, including vehicles, as proceeds of crime
If only!Whatever happened to Stocks on the public green.
That would be taken to the European Court of Human Rights and make the lawyers a lot of money.Whatever happened to Stocks on the public green.
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