Menu
24/08/2012
Stung! Bees Chase Lead Thieves From East Belfast Roof
Lead thieves got chased off by a flock of bees when they tried to strip the roof of an east Belfast optician's shop, the Belfast Telegraph has warned.
Business owner Sam Baird first realised he had been targeted when he noticed a water leak from the roof of his store on the Upper Newtownards Road on August 15.
He saw that some lead flashing was missing, but unusually, the thieves had left a large amount of lead behind.
He credits the bees in his rooftop beehive with chasing the intruders off before they had the chance to steal more than £20 worth of the metal.
Mr Baird is a member of the Dromore Beekeeping Association.
He said: "I put the empty hives up in the springtime and a swarm moved in and made their home."
He believes up to 50,000 bees could have been in the area at the time of the attack.
"I reported the theft to the police and suggested they check the hospital for bee sting victims," he continued.
"Lead vandalism causes so much damage, cost and inconvenience for a few pounds of scrap. I hope lessons have been learned. It's a lesson in natural justice. As a beekeeper I know how aggressively bees can defend the hive, and what multiple stings feel like.
“They did something wrong and got stung for it."
Anyone with information about the theft can contact Castlereagh police station on 0845 600 8000.
(NE)
Business owner Sam Baird first realised he had been targeted when he noticed a water leak from the roof of his store on the Upper Newtownards Road on August 15.
He saw that some lead flashing was missing, but unusually, the thieves had left a large amount of lead behind.
He credits the bees in his rooftop beehive with chasing the intruders off before they had the chance to steal more than £20 worth of the metal.
Mr Baird is a member of the Dromore Beekeeping Association.
He said: "I put the empty hives up in the springtime and a swarm moved in and made their home."
He believes up to 50,000 bees could have been in the area at the time of the attack.
"I reported the theft to the police and suggested they check the hospital for bee sting victims," he continued.
"Lead vandalism causes so much damage, cost and inconvenience for a few pounds of scrap. I hope lessons have been learned. It's a lesson in natural justice. As a beekeeper I know how aggressively bees can defend the hive, and what multiple stings feel like.
“They did something wrong and got stung for it."
Anyone with information about the theft can contact Castlereagh police station on 0845 600 8000.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2008
Legal Action Threatened Over Lead Thefts
Thieves who have been targeting empty Co Antrim homes belonging to the N I Housing Executive may soon be facing legal action. Local reports indicate that Poleglass houses have been receiving the unwelcome attention at different periods over the last year.
Legal Action Threatened Over Lead Thefts
Thieves who have been targeting empty Co Antrim homes belonging to the N I Housing Executive may soon be facing legal action. Local reports indicate that Poleglass houses have been receiving the unwelcome attention at different periods over the last year.
16 November 2016
Lead Stolen From Orange Hall Roof In Belfast
A DUP MLA has condemned those responsible for stealing lead from the roof of an Orange Hall in Belfast. The lead is believed to have been taken from Clifton Street Orange Hall between Tuesday and the early hours of Wednesday morning, 16 November.
Lead Stolen From Orange Hall Roof In Belfast
A DUP MLA has condemned those responsible for stealing lead from the roof of an Orange Hall in Belfast. The lead is believed to have been taken from Clifton Street Orange Hall between Tuesday and the early hours of Wednesday morning, 16 November.
28 August 2009
Lead Shot 'Fired'
Sportsmen won't be able to use the traditional 'lead shot' anymore. Wildfowlers have been banned from using the poisionous shot when they are shooting over wetlands in Northern Ireland.
Lead Shot 'Fired'
Sportsmen won't be able to use the traditional 'lead shot' anymore. Wildfowlers have been banned from using the poisionous shot when they are shooting over wetlands in Northern Ireland.
17 October 2012
Lead Thieves Target Orange Hall
An Orange Hall in County Down has been the target of thieves attempting to steal lead. Two intruders were caught in the act as they lifted off roof tiles in an attempt to steal lead pipes. The incident occurred at Drumlough Orange Hall near Rathfriland on Tuesday afternoon.
Lead Thieves Target Orange Hall
An Orange Hall in County Down has been the target of thieves attempting to steal lead. Two intruders were caught in the act as they lifted off roof tiles in an attempt to steal lead pipes. The incident occurred at Drumlough Orange Hall near Rathfriland on Tuesday afternoon.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
