Four teenagers charged after 4k bees were killed at Perthshire farm
13th July 2024
Four teenagers have been charged following a vandalism attack at a Scottish farm, which resulted in the death of more than 4,000 bees.
Four boys, three aged 15 and one aged 13, have been cautioned and charged with two separate vandalisms at Tofthill Farm in Inchyra.
The first incident, which took place between 24th and 25th May, saw a number of plants and farming equipment, as well as two bee boxes containing approximately 2,000 bees, vandalised and killed as a result.
The second attack happened on 12th June, when two further boxes were damaged and a further 2,000 bees were killed.
READ MORE: Vandals killed over 2,000 bees on Scottish farm
Thousands of pounds worth of damage
A farm spokesperson said just after the first incident: “We are incredibly disappointed to be subjected to vandalism at the weekend.
“Aside from jumping on our equipment and damaging it, the most heartbreaking aspect of it is that some 2,000 bees were killed and dozens of fresh strawberry plants were maliciously damaged.
“Bees are truly the most magnificent and efficient pollinators on any farm, and it’s thanks to them that we all get fed.
“After an incredibly difficult winter for farming, where it is getting harder and harder to produce food, we only have utter contempt for the individuals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.”
NFU Mutual has recently issued showing that rural crime cost the UK £49.5 million in 2022, with the increase in criminal activity significantly impacting farming businesses.
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