A keen Cheshire beekeeper was devastated to find that thieves had stolen hives containing tens of thousands of bees this week.
The hives were stolen from the Swettenham area of Cheshire East.
The theft of the beehives in question – which were confirmed to have been home to anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 bees – has left the un-named beekeeper at both a significant “financial loss”, and now also needing time to rebuild the colonies of bees stolen.
Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team has confirmed an investigation is now underway to recover the stolen hives.
Taking to Facebook yesterday evening to reveal information about the unique incident, PCSO Pam Graham said: “I have spoken to a beekeeper this evening who unfortunately has had his hives stolen from the Swettenham area.
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“As you are probably aware, beekeeping is a skilled pastime/profession and colonies are not only important to the environment, but are cared for intensely,
“[This] will not only be a financial loss, but also time consuming as he now needs to rebuild these colonies”.
The force is now urging local residents across the Cheshire East area to “remain vigilant” in the wake of the theft, and contact the police if any any suspicious activity is seen regarding the matter.
The statement continues: “Let us know if you see any suspicious activity via 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.”
News of the unique theft has since attracted the attentions the wider community.
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Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team’s Facebook post has already amassed hundreds of interactions and shares, as well as dozens of comments from members of the public shocked and saddened at the nature of the crime, and concerned as to how the thieves have managed to pull off such a skilled and technical theft.
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If you see any suspicious activity regarding this theft, you are encouraged to call Cheshire Police via 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.
More information on reporting crimes can be found via the Cheshire Police website here.
News
Oldham man jailed for life after strangling another man he had a ‘complex’ relationship with
Emily Sergeant
A man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the strangulation murder of another man in Oldham late last year.
David Warren Jack, of Plumpton Close in the Royton area of Oldham, appeared in Manchester Crown Court on Monday (1 June), where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Paul Anderson, 55, in December last year.
The sentencing relates to an incident that occurred at around 7.50pm on 6 December 2025, where Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers attended an address on Plumpton Close after receiving reports of an altercation, and when they arrived on the scene, Paul was sadly pronounced dead.
Around an hour earlier, Jack had called a friend to tell them that he had ‘killed somebody’, explaining that he had strangled Paul during a fight.
Shortly after calling his friend, Jack then proceeded to ring 999, with police immediately attending the scene, along with paramedics and other emergency services – but despite their best efforts, they were unable to save Paul’s life.
The cause of death was later ascertained as being caused by strangulation.
Following his death, Paul’s family paid tribute to him, saying: “Rest in peace Paul – a precious dad, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend who was so loved. He was a gentleman with a big heart and an incredible sense of humour. Our hearts will be forever broken”.
Following his guilty plea at the start of the week, Jack was yesterday (2 June) subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years and six months.
Speaking following the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: “David Jack and Paul Anderson had a complex relationship and had clashed before – sadly, this time, there were fatal consequences.
“Immediately following the call we received that night in December, we launched a full and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of Paul’s death, securing an arrest and ensuring we left no stone unturned in our search for the truth.
“Paul was well-loved by his family, and I am glad that we have secured justice for them. Our thoughts remain with them following this awful case.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Tram diversions and disruption on Market Street as improvement works are carried out
Emily Sergeant
Essential improvement works are currently taking place on the Metrolink network between Shudehill and Market Street.
As the next phase of the ongoing £150m investment into Greater Manchester’s tram network gets under way this month, essential track replacement work is now being carried out in a bid to make the network ‘safer’ and ‘more resilient and reliable’ for years to come.
As of yesterday (1 June) through to Tuesday 9 June, improvement works are taking place in the city centre, and during this time, no trams will operate via Market Street and Shudehill.
This means that, while the work is carried out, some disruption is expected and passengers are urged to ‘plan ahead’ for their journeys.
For the next week, all services from Altrincham will operate to Bury via Exchange Square, and all services from Bury will operate to Altrincham via Exchange Square – with neither calling at Piccadilly Gardens, Piccadilly, Market Street, and Shudehill.
Tram diversions and disruption on Market Street as improvement works are carried out / Credit: The Manc Group
Services from the Trafford Centre will operate to Etihad Campus, while services from Manchester Airport will operate to Victoria via Exchange Square.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has advised that, for customers on the Bury and Altrincham lines, the easiest way to reach Piccadilly will be by changing trams at St Peters Square, although you may need to change platforms for the right trams, so you should check departure boards and signage on stop for more details.
Customers may need to change trams, take a short walk, or hop on the free Bee Network bus to continue their journey. Outside of free bus operating times, however, a replacement bus will operate between Piccadilly and Victoria.
🛠️ Tram works are taking place in the city centre until Tuesday 9 June. Changes to the service pattern are in place:
– Altrincham/Bury & Airport/Victoria services are operating via Exchange Square – Trafford Centre services are operating to Etihad Campus
“These improvements are part of our continued £150m investment to make our tram network safer, more reliable and more resilient for the long term,” commented Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink.
“I’d strongly encourage everyone travelling during this period to plan ahead, as some tram services will need to change while we carry out this essential work.”
Emily Sergeant -
24th February 2021 
