Beekeeper accused of swiping colony, equipment

A local beekeeper has been accused of taking another beekeeper's equipment off the side of a business in the Town of Lockport.

The victim contacted the Niagara County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 23 to report that his equipment had been stolen while he was servicing a bee infestation at a business on the 5800 block of South Transit Road.

The equipment consisted of a 19-inch by 12-inch by 8-inch "nucleus box" that contained a colony of honey bees and was valued at $500. It was installed in the front of the business' building at the time of its theft.

According to a regional director of the business, the security footage showed that the box was taken about 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18. Sheriff's investigators noted they were denied access to the security footage by the business without a warrant.

Another employee of the business also contacted police to report that she had investigated the incident and contacted other local beekeepers for information, eventually finding one who admitted he had taken the bees.

Upon making contact with deputies, the suspected beekeeper said he believed the bees were not being attended to properly and that the front desk receptionist had given him permission to take them. He was, however, willing to return the "nucleus box" and bee colony to the victim.

The receptionist recalled speaking to the beekeeper but did not remember giving him permission.

The owner of the bees said that the equipment had been tampered with and was no longer useful. He also stated he would like to pursue charges.

The suspect was charged with petit larceny and surrendered at the Niagara County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 24. He is scheduled to appear in Town of Lockport court.