Four boys have been charged after vandalism at a Scottish farm resulted in the death of more than 4000 bees, raising concerns about local wildlife protection. The boys, three aged 15 and one aged 13, are facing charges for two separate incidents of vandalism at Tofthill Farm, near Glencarse. The first incident occurred between May 24 and May 25, during which various plants and farming equipment were damaged. Additionally, two bee boxes containing approximately 2000 bees were vandalised, leading to the death of all the bees inside. While police enquiries were still ongoing, a second act of vandalism took place on June 12. During this incident, another two bee boxes were destroyed, resulting in the death of another 2000 bees. A farm spokesperson described the incident as "heartbreaking" in a statement to the police. This incident highlights a broader issue of rural crime in the UK. According to the latest figures from NFU Mutual, rural crime cost the UK 49.5 million in 2022. The rise in criminal activities, including vandalism, significantly affects farming businesses, disrupting operations and causing financial and emotional distress. We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country. Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse. So that s why we ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with. The conversation will go back to what it should be about people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let s get that debate started!. Callum Baird, Editor of The National. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community  a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. Please report any comments that break our rules. Last Updated:. Are you sure you want to delete this comment?. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then pleasecontact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you cancontact IPSO here. 20012024.Newsquest Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, Wales, NP20 1DW  01676637 . Data returned from the Piano 'meterActivemeterExpired' callbackevent. Those ads you do see are predominantly fromlocal businessespromotinglocal services. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience thelocal community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
Four boys have been charged after vandalism at a Scottish farm led to the death of over 4000 bees, sparking concerns about local wildlife protection. The incidents occurred at Tofthill Farm, resulting in damage to plants, farming equipment, and bee boxes. The vandalism highlights a broader issue of rural crime in the UK, with financial and emotional impacts on farming businesses.