Wicklow-based beekeeper Bruce Copeland was shocked to discover that of two of his beehives were stolen from his back garden on Monday.
Mr Copeland, who has kept bees for the last 15 years, said he could not believe it when he first discovered the theft.
The beekeeper said the thieves violated his space and took animals that are “not just commercial creatures” to him.
“I love my bees the way most people would love their pet dog and that’s the hurt I have,” he said.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Mr Copeland said that he suspected beekeepers are the only individuals to be aware of the commercial value of beehives, describing his own as “two very good…