News Release - Birch theft has become the new trend in Northwest Wisconsin. This theft is replacing theft of scrap metal or copper that for a long time has led to quick money for drug addicts and habitual criminals.
Thefts are occurring on County and State forests as well as on private property. The subjects responsible for our Birch thefts, have no regard for the resource, and hastily cut, load, and run from the theft site.
Many of our Washburn County Residents have seen some of this activity, but were not aware of the problem. Subjects involved are hauling birch products in pick-up trucks and trailers, unlike professional loggers that have specialty equipment built to haul large volume.
If you see activity in your neighborhood that looks suspicious, please be a Good Neighbor and call The Sheriff's Office. License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions are very helpful. Please call anytime of the day or night, as some of these folks are cutting during the day and hauling at night.
If you see birch in a truck or trailer....let us know. As a Community we can stop this theft of one of our beautiful resources!
- Chief Deputy Mike Richter
Last Update: Feb 21, 2017 5:10 pm CST
