Timber Theft & Fraud Investigations

An operator using heavy machinery to load timber onto the back of a flatbed

Timber theft is on the rise with the price of timber increasing and more absentee landowners in Texas. While forest landowners initially feel the monetary loss, everyone loses because trees are taken without proper reforestation methods in place to ensure new forests for the future.

Many timber theft cases involve absentee landowners who are more vulnerable because they aren’t around to protect their property. In these cases, the thief is often long gone by the time the crime is discovered.

Another method of theft involves timber buying contracts. There are several scenarios, but the most common is that the contract is never fulfilled by the buyer.

Avoid timber theft tactics

Report any cutting or trespassing on your land immediately.

Always have a bill of sale and contract in place before any cutting begins.

Never sign a contract without checking the references of the buyer.

For the best price insist on getting bids for your timber.

Mark all property lines to assure cutting on adjacent property does not encroach on yours.

Most importantly, if you do not know the timber business, find someone who does to help you determine volumes, current prices and potential bidders.

Be familiar with the application laws regarding selling and harvesting of timber.

Have questions or concerns? Reach out!

To reports suspected timber theft or suspicious activity, call the Texas A&M Forest Service Timber Theft Hotline.