Beehives swiped

There has been a rash of local beehive thefts in Butte County over the past few months, according to a Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) press release. Such thefts have been increasing over the past few years, costing local beekeepers tens of thousands of dollars.

The California Beekeepers Association has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the beehive thieves.

Last month, 150 beehives designed to raise queen bees were taken from a Chico residence near Highway 99 and Estates Drive. The hives are marked with identification number 42-14. Anyone with information is asked to call 538-7671, which could lead to that $10,000 reward.