Eighty live hives believed to be taken from the Western Bay of Plenty area have been recovered, a statement said.
"To date, Bay of Plenty Police have recovered around $150 to $200,000 worth of stolen beehives and bee-keeping equipment following a spate of thefts in the region.''
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said the thefts were a huge loss for beekeepers.
"It's a big economic hit for the beekeepers so we are pleased to be able to find these hives,'' he said.
"We really value the public assistance we've received. It's been the key to helping us find them.''
Anyone who sees someone acting suspiciously around beehives is urged to contact police immediately.
