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Arrests for Wood Theft Increase by 257% Compared to Last Year

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This Wednesday, the government reported that arrests for wood theft increased by 257% compared to the same period last year in the Province of Arauco.

According to Radio ADN, delegate Humberto Toro, linked to the theft or removal of wood from forestry or private properties, highlighted that since 2022, there has been an intersectoral effort with the government, and results are already visible.

"In the Province of Arauco, we are already seeing the fruits of the first quarter of this year, where we have increased the number of pensions, the seizure of trucks, and at the same time, those linked to this illegal activity have been imprisoned," he stated.

On the other hand, there were reactions to these figures from the Association of Forestry Contractors. Deputy Manager René Muñoz acknowledged the data provided by the Executive but hopes for faster actions to benefit business owners and workers in the sector.

"The crackdown on wood theft has been a support, a help in stopping organized gangs profiting from this crime, and we believe good work has been done. We would like it to be faster because it's important to remember that forestry activity is severely depressed in that province, as these armed groups have taken control of the area from Los Álamos southward," Muñoz explained.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Casagrande, president of the Wood Corporation in Biobío and Ñuble, noted that while there is progress, he is concerned about the displacement of these activities to other municipalities. "It's true that several organized gangs have been dismantled in both the Araucanía and Biobío regions, but they continue to operate."

"Especially here in Biobío, in the municipalities of Tirúa, Contulmo, and Cañete, and in Araucanía, in Collipulli and Angol (...) We are particularly concerned about what is happening in Mulchén," he added. He also called on institutions "to continue advancing in controlling this serious crime, which not only results in wood theft but also affects thousands of people living in these territories," he asserted.

Specifically, the figures presented by the government show a 257% increase compared to the same period last year, when there were seven arrests and four operations. Additionally, in 2022, there were a total of 34 cases linked to wood theft or removal in this province.

Source:www.adnradio.cl