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PHOTO: A portable gate will reduce the risk of logging theft or vandalsim at a jobsite, the Maine Forest Service says. (Maine Forest Service photo)
AUGUSTA – The Maine Forest Service is offering tips to land owners in an effort to prevent logging theft and vandalism.
In general, thieves are opportunists looking for the easiest way to steal, with the least resistance. The more difficult theft is, the less likely they will be to do it.
To report logging vandalism or theft, call Maine Forest Rangers at 207-973-3700 (Bangor), 207-624-7076 (Augusta) or 207-532-5400 (Houlton).
The forest service suggests that land and business owners set up a multi-layered system to deter and prevent theft and vandalism, including:
1 Use portable gates. Most thieves are opportunists who hope to expend minimal effort. A portable gate at the entrance to the job, as far from the assets as possible, making walking and carrying distance more difficult, is effective. Most portable gates in Maine are concrete waste blocks with metal gate arms and are set in place with a logging crane.
2. Game cameras. Multiple game cameras can deter theft – the more, the better, since thieves often also take game cameras. Many models now are cellphone enabled, sending instant images a smartphone or computer.
3. Train employees on a jobsite security plan. Consider a daily checklist that will help guide employees in the steps to prevent theft and vandalism. The security plan should also include training on what employees should do if they discover a theft on the job site.
4. Lock equipment. Lock all equipment cabs, toolboxes and fuel ports, making it more difficult for a thief to access property. Consider parking equipment into the woods rather than having it all in one location, reducing the opportunity for a thief to hit multiple pieces in a short amount of time.
5. Remove fuel. Consider removing fuel trailers over the weekend or during extended absences from the jobsite. Also, consider anti-siphoning devices (screens) on fuel ports. Keep a daily fuel log for each piece of equipment on the site.
6. Use solar or battery-powered motion-sensing lights. These can be bought for less than $50 at a home improvement store and attached to a standalone battery or a machine’s battery system.
7. Communicate. Those working in an area that has a history of logging vandalism or theft should talk to a forest ranger, or neighbors, who might help you keep an eye on things.
