Christopher Knaus July 13, 2012
Police investigating the destruction of more than 1000 beehives on the south coast have renewed calls to the public for help.
A series of targeted poison attacks at 10 different locations on the NSW south coast destroyed 1214 hives in mid June.
A toxic chemical was sprayed into the hives, killing most of the bees, and severely affecting the honey-producing industry.
Hives up to 50 kilometres apart were poisoned at sites across the Currowan State Forest and Murramarang National Park.
Police estimated the damage bill at $150,000, but beekeepers were expecting costs to rise further as the lingering toxins destroyed more bee populations.
Batemans Bay detectives, together with rural crime investigators from Queanbeyan and Cooma, are still investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Inspector Kevin McNeil said police were following several ''lines of inquiry''.
''We're still seeking information from the public,'' he said. ''[The investigation is] still ongoing and we're still making inquiries, and if anyone has information contact the cops.''
Forensic investigators are believed to have identified the toxic poisons used in the attack.
Australian Rainforest Honey, which supplies organic honey to Woolworths, had 240 of its 5000 hives poisoned at two sites on the south coast. The motive for the attacks is not yet clear, although the beekeeping industry has been described as highly competitive.
Any information can be supplied to Batemans Bay detectives on 4472 0099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.