Stolen Research Nukes
Hi all, my name's Michael Duncan and I have been the research Apiarist at Western Sydney University Richmond NSW for the past 30 years.
Unfortunately, on Monday night 02/2/26, four, 5 frame nucleus hives were stolen from the Londonderry Rd side of the Western Sydney University Campus, at Richmond NSW. These hives were part of a long term, funded research experiment looking at entomopathogenic nematodes (possible biological control) for Small Hive Beetle.
The annoying thing is that these hives were custom built and have modified 3D printed tray floorboards and were mid analysis. They are really of no use to anyone as hive boxes. We are now down a site replicate which severely impacts the research and 12 months of a student’s PHD project.
This is the first time in 30 yrs I've had hives stolen and it's very disappointing, as our research objectives are to better things for everyone in the industry. Unfortunately, human-kind can be selfish. The worst part is that if the perpetrators came into see me at the WSU Apiary, I would have helped them with nucleus colonies.
If anyone is aware of anything, could you please reach out. Even the return of the boxes without the bees would be of benefit. The boxes are highly identifiable and are fire branded-both sides. Please distribute amongst your networks in the Hawkesbury area.
Best regards,
Michael Duncan
