Hive heist hits Eastern Townships honey retailer

The father of the owner of 180 beehives swiped from a locked enclosure in Saint-Valre, Que. says he suspects the culprit is another beekeeper.

The theft occurred in a field on Highway 955, near Victoriaville, Que., sometime between April 24 and 26. Saint-Valreis about 150 kilometresnortheast of Montreal.

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The hives were owned by FrancisLabont, owner ofEntreprisesFrancisLabont, who sold the honey to his father Jean-MarcLabont'scompany,MielLabont.

Jean-Marc Labonttold Radio-Canada that the stolen hives were almost all rented by blueberry farmers to help pollinate their crops this summer. He estimates the loss at$200,000.

The hives were in a secured area, but someone broke thelock to take them.

Labont believes anyone interested in that many hives must be a beekeeper. Hesuspects the hiveswere stolen because, with higher-than-average rates of bee deaths,times have been hard for beekeepers.

Quebec's provincial police are asking for the public's help to find the hives.Sret du QubecSgt.Genevive Bruneausaid all hives are engraved with the name "Miel Labont."

She said investigators are looking for a cube truck or vehicle that could contain all of the equipment.

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