In this presentation, Chris Radimer explores the global rise of organized honey bee theft, noting how lucrative industries like almond pollination and Manuka honey have invited criminal activity. While Ontario has not yet reached the crisis levels seen in Europe or the United States, Radimer warns that the local industry must prepare for increasing risks as the value of colonies rises. To mitigate these threats, beekeepers are encouraged to utilize operational security by concealing hive locations and limiting public knowledge of their apiaries. Physical measures, such as locking hive stands and custom equipment, offer additional layers of protection against crimes of opportunity. High-tech solutions like GPS trackers and movement sensors exist, though their high costs and technical requirements currently limit widespread use. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes that the beekeeping community must prioritize reporting thefts to authorities to ensure the problem receives proper statistical tracking and institutional support.
