Police bust honey gang who stole expensive honey from health food stores across Yorkshire

Officers received reports that a gang of occupants in two cars had been moving around Yorkshire, stealing expensive honey from health food stores.

Police then tracked down the suspects and arrested three people on suspicion of theft.

When searched, police found more than £2,000 worth of honey and £100 of Champagne when the cars were detained in Wetherby Services on Friday.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "You may have noticed a ‘hive’ of activity at Wetherby Services yesterday.

"We received reports that occupants of 2 cars had been ‘buzzing’ around our county stealing expensive honey from health stores.

"We ‘combed’ the area, located and #arrested 3 people on suspicion on theft.

"When searched, we recovered over £2k worth of honey and £100 of champagne.

"They’ve landed themselves in a ‘sticky’ situation and will now have to account for their actions. Thanks @OscarRomeo1268 @HarrogatePolice who flew in to assist."

Why honey?

Honey is naturally antibacterial and cannot go mouldy no matter how old it is. Honey has been found inside ancient tombs, thousands of years old, which is still edible.

But Manuka honey takes things a step further. The specialised blend, produced in New Zealand, is incredibly potent and incredibly pricey with jars with high purity carrying an RRP of £99 or more. Even cheaper blends can cost £20-40 a jar.

The antibacterial potency of Manuka honey was found to be related to the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, which is correlated with its methylglyoxal and total phenols content. Though its health benefits over regular honey - and whether it is worth the cost - isn't scientifically proven beyond doubt, it is regarded as a superfood among many dieticians.

Having said all that, if you nick it, you'll still end up arrested.