Thieves steal 5 tonnes of red gum firewood from Kersbrook property, amid a string a thefts
They might have got stuck in the mud on the way out, but heartless thieves were still able to steal five tonnes of red gum from a Kersbrook property. It is one in a spate of firewood thefts across SA as supplies reach critical levels due to the coronavirus.
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A shortage of firewood across SA has reached new levels of desperation, with thieves targeting private stockpiles across the Hills and the Barossa.
Firewood thefts have been reported in Kersbrook, Mount Torrens, Woodside and Kapunda, with thieves specifically targeting red gum.
The latest incident was reported on Monday morning after around five tonnes of wood were taken from a property near Kersbrook.
Jess Scott, who reported the theft to police, said her family was devastated by the incident, after spending weeks cutting and splitting wood.
She said while the incident was frustrating, she took solace in the fact that the theft appeared to have been anything but easy.
“A bit of a funny thing about it all is how they obviously got bogged on the way out,” she said.
“By the looks of it, they had to lay out two tracks of wood to get out – it’s a shame they did.
“The crazy part with this is that … they picked all of the red gum out of the poles and only left us with the bad stuff.
“So they were definitely looking for red gum, which makes us think that they stole it to sell it, as you wouldn’t need that much wood for one person.
“It’s very unfair what they’ve done, especially during these times where everyone is having a hard time.”
Livestock SA board member Glen Tilley had also been targeted by firewood thieves this season.
He said a huge pile of wood was taken from his cropping and sheep property outside Kapuna in late May.
He attributed the theft to a growing decline in available firewood across SA.
Woodyards are facing a significant shortage in red gum as more people spend time at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Obviously this time of year people are looking for firewood and I guess this is a cheaper way to get it,” Mr Tilley said.
“In my case, I think they just had easy access as the fence was down from the fires the previous year, So that made it easy and I guess the temptation was just too great.
“Unfortunately, firewood theft is among a whole range of issues us landowners have to put up with this time of year, but the fact that’s been an exceptionally cold winter hasn’t helped the situation.”
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A police spokesman said firewood theft was not uncommon.
The police relied on the public to help them find those responsible.
“At this time of year, we do receive additional reports of firewood being stolen from properties,” the spokesman said.
“While every report of crime is investigated, it is difficult to apprehend those responsible unless we have information or evidence that could lead to identifying those involved.”
Any suspicious activity should be reported on 131 444.