Beekeepers say there is a shortage of honey due to the poor summer

They cut a barbed wire fence to gain access to the hive in a field at Llanllwni in Carmarthenshire.

Police are investigating the theft which experts have described as "highly unusual".

Retired farmer and civil servant Alan Surman, 69, said he was "annoyed and disappointed" the hive had been stolen and fears the thieves may return.

There is a shortage of honey this year because of the bad weather in July and August with some people down by about two thirds Maureen Macleod

Bee-keeper Mr Surman, of Tally, near Llandeilo, said he had placed his hives in a field near a mountainside and found one missing on Tuesday.

"At this time of year bee-keepers like to take their hives where there is heather growing," he said.

"Heather honey is a particularly luxurious item and heather helps bees to build up and go through the winter."

He believes the hive, worth about �100, was stolen by someone with a knowledge of bees.

Money

"I am annoyed and disappointed, it would have had to be planned and by someone who knew about bees.

"We are concerned that if they have taken one they will come back and continue taking them.

"They could take the lot, and that is quite a lot of money."

Maureen Macleod of the Carmarthenshire Beekeepers' Association said she also suspected whoever was responsible would have had knowledge of beekeeping.

"It's a most unusual thing to happen - I've never heard of it in Wales before," she said.

"I would say it has to be someone who would know what they are doing.

"If the honey was still on it it must have been extremely heavy and would have taken two people to lift it.

"They must have waited until it was dark for all the bees to be at home."

Ms Mcleod said honey was in short supply this year.

"There is a shortage of honey this year because of the bad weather in July and August with some people down by about two thirds."