BEEKEEPERS are being stung by thieves who steal hives to order and sell them to unsuspecting first-time bee enthusiasts, it has emerged.

Dozens of hives across the area have been snatched and bees put at risk as thieves try to cash in on the rising cost of the hobby.

In a recent botched attempt, thousands of bees suffocated and died when hives which had been taped up, ready to steal, were left behind on the side of a road in Well Hill.

Peter Hutton, a member of the Kent Beekeepers' Association Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells branch, said: "The cost of beekeeping is going up and up but there are less and less colonies. Two years ago you would get a second-hand hive and whole swarm for around £200.

"But now the cost of buying a nucleus swarm a third of the size and all the equipment you need comes to around £650. There is also a lot more demand for hives because beekeeping is more popular."

Between 9.30am and 1.20pm on March 26, three beehives were taken from Beesfield Lane in Farningham, although they were later found close by.

In Crockenhill between March 26 and April 2, nine wooden beehives in a field off Daltons Road were taken. Police are checking forensic evidence. Further afield in Rabbits Road, South Darenth, four beehives were also reported missing.

Mr Hutton added: "I think it must be a beekeeper who is behind the thefts because it is not the sort of thing you can steal if you don't know what you are doing. They are probably being sold to first-time buyers who are buying them in good faith."

Police have paid a visit to the club to warn of the problem and a statement has been released on the Sevenoaks branch website, saying: "Last week one of our members had 12 strong colonies stolen from two different apiaries in the Crockenhill/Well Hill area. All the frames had a month and year written in red felt tip on the top bar. All members are asked to be alert to any possible selling on of these colonies, or unusual offers of used Langstroth hives."