Police are working on a sting to bring down booming numbers of "honey crime" in Northland.

Almost $100,000 worth of beehives have been stolen in the past eight months near Kawakawa.

Beekeepers say thefts started when prices for high-end Manuka honey skyrocketed, but Manuka only makes up part of Northland's honey harvest.

Kawakawa police say more than 260 hives have been stolen in the area since September.

Police will be checking any suspicious sightings against a beekeeper database and seizing stolen hives.