Local man accused of having sticky fingers

Justin Mathew Howes is alleged to have stolen upwards of $46,000 of items that belonged to New Zealand Queen Bee.

A Northland man is facing more charges of stealing beehives as well as three shipping containers which contained items relating to the production of honey.

Justin Mathew Howes, 25, of Titoki, appeared before a Registrar in the Whangarei District Court yesterday on two new charges of theft and one of obtaining by deception.

Police allege between June and October last year, Howes stole two 20-foot containers that contained beehives, boxes, bases, frames and other beekeeping equipment.

The items, worth $46,000, belonged to New Zealand Queen Bee.

In September last year, Howes allegedly stole a 20-foot shipping container valued at $2645 which also belonged to New Zealand Queen Bee.

Police further allege Howes obtained $13,600 in Waipu by deception.

He has not pleaded to the charges and is on bail to re-appear on February 15.

Three other charges were laid earlier - two of theft of beehives and another of breaching the Animals Products' Act by falsifying an apiarist and beekeeper statement.

He allegedly stole one beehive worth $9600 from Horeke and another valued at $1000 from Wellsford in 2014 and last year.

Howes has elected a jury trial on those charges and is due back in the Whangarei District Court on January 26 for a callover.

A trial date may be set on that date.