Authorities say 172 beehives stolen from Gustine in Merced County were recovered in Yolo County, where a Sacramento man was arrested.

YOLO COUNTY, Calif. — A Sacramento man has been arrested after 172 beehives stolen from Merced County were recovered in Yolo County following a multi-agency investigation, authorities said.

According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, deputies took a report Feb. 6 of 172 beehives stolen from an agricultural property in unincorporated Gustine. 

Officials said the hives play a critical role in pollinating orchards across the region.

Investigators working with the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force later developed information about the possible location of the stolen property.

On Feb. 10, deputies with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office located the bee boxes within Yolo County and began surveillance, authorities said.

During that operation, investigators observed a suspect return to the site and attempt to alter and conceal ownership markings branded on the boxes.

Deputies arrested Leonid Terzi, 46, of Sacramento, on suspicion of grand theft and possession of stolen property. He was booked into the Yolo County Jail, authorities said.

Officials said the stolen beehives were recovered and will be returned to their rightful owner.


Watch more on ABC10: Folsom police arrest man for mail theft from neighborhood cluster mailbox

ABC10: Watch, Download, Read