Mr. Kazee suggests there are basically three ways timber is stolen. As a timber owner or forest manager, you would be wise to study these methods of theft and take preventative actions to avoid a rip-off. The purpose of this report is only to make you wise to the ways of a timber thief. Although the vast majority of people who buy and harvest trees are honest there are people who will cheat and try to deceive for financial gain.
A Way Thieves Steal Trees - Number One:
Thieves will set up a harvest directly on your property or will move over on you from an adjacent ownership. Although mistakes can happen to honest loggers, I am talking here about timber being taken with "evil intent".
Ways to Prevent the Theft:
- Inspect your property regularly. Your own neglect can encourage thieves. Inspections will also catch insect and disease problems early and head off line encroachment.
- Maintain and "refresh" proper boundary markings. It is much easier to do this when property lines are still visible. Always freshen up you lines when harvesting is occurring on adjacent property.
- Cultivate good neighbors and encourage good lease-holders to keep an eye open.
