Limestone Coast Police are targeting redgum wood thefts as the weather turns colder.

A SAPOL spokesperson said during the winter months, Limestone Coast Police see an increase in firewood collection using illegal methods.

As a result, Limestone Coast Police have commenced an operation targeting the illegal collection of redgum firewood within the region which will run through to September.

The spokesperson said there were generally three types of firewood collectors, being legitimate businesses, those who collect for personal use and those who harvest and sell it for cash.

“As time goes by, firewood becomes difficult to obtain near regional towns and some of those who harvest it have begun to use illegal methods,” the spokesperson said.

“In order to harvest the firewood, suspects are often trespassing on private and Crown land and are also causing damage to property in the process.

“The people involved in these incidents work in the hours of darkness to minimise their detection and often use lighting equipment, industrial sized chainsaws and hauling equipment.

“Police remind the public that it is an offence to be in a forest reserve after dark.”

The spokesperson said last week police arrested two Mount Gambier men aged 47 and 52 at Coles for being unlawfully on premises.

“The men were in possession of a trailer of redgum at the time,” the spokesperson said.

“The men were bailed to appear in the Naracoorte Magistrates Court on May 17.

“Police are urging anyone who sees trailers of firewood, suspected of being stolen, being sold on the side of the road to contact them.

“Police also encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activity around forestry areas at the time it is occurring, particularly vehicles towing trailers.”

Information on vehicle registrations and suspect descriptions can be passed on via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.