Bee Crimes

Tim Hammerich

News Reporter

Remote areas can become a target for theft and crime, and our state’s farmland is no exception. Agricultural crime can range from stolen equipment to stolen bees. That’s right, bees. Sergeant James Currie is with the Solano County Sheriff's office focused on rural crime.

Sgt Currie… “Bees are a big deal right now. Queen bees, boxes, etc. Our county is blessed with many almond orchards and we are starting to see a real upswing in not only the bees itself, but the equipment that's associated with it. The forklifts and boxes, flatbeds, everything that's associated with beekeeping.”

The queens have drawn attention, Sergeant Currie says, due to a current shortage that has increased demand and prices.

Sgt Currie… “To be honest with you, most of the people that are involved in these type of crimes are people that are educated and have knowledge of the industry. And the Queens are fetching, you know, $25 - $30 bucks a piece right now. So there's a shortage.”

After over 25 years in rural crime, he says you never know what the next issue will be.

Sgt Currie… “I first got into this, I figured tractors and ATVs and maybe an occasional livestock, but it's much more than that.”