'How could somebody do such a thing?': North Vancouver church's bees stolen
Twenty thousand beloved members of a North Vancouver church’s congregation are missing.
St. Andrews United Church has been home to a beehive for almost two years, and the insects have become well-loved members of the community.
Then last Wednesday, somebody swiped the hive, and all its bees, from the church grounds.
“I felt totally deflated, to think that someone would steal our bees,” said Rev. Judith Hardcastle, the church’s minister.
Hardcastle told CTV News the first thing she does every morning is check on the bees. On Wednesday, they were still there. That afternoon, she received a text from the office administrator asking what she had done with the bees. Confused, Hardcastle said no and asked why. The administrator informed her the bees were gone.
“How could somebody do such a thing? Hives are not cheap,” Hardcastle said.
She suspects the bee bandit is someone with knowledge of bee-keeping, because they would have had to pick up a hive surrounded by buzzing creatures without any fear.
Hardcastle said the theft has been reported to the RCMP, and an officer drove around the area to see if the hive was discarded somewhere. But as of Sunday afternoon, neither the culprit nor the bees have been found.
She added she will forgive whoever took the bees if they’re returned.
In the meantime, Hardcastle has put in a request for a new hive to Alvéole, the company that provided the first hive.
The North Vancouver RCMP, in a statement provided to CTV News Monday, said the criminal investigation into the "bizarre" case has been closed "pending further evidence." Anyone with information is urged to call (604) 985-1311.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
BREAKING Manhunt underway for suspect after several people shot in Kentucky near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.