Police warning about taking ‘free firewood’
POLICE officers have spoken out after finding a car filled with logs taken from a country park.
On Wednesday, November 16, Rushcliffe South Neighbourhood Police Officers were on a rural crime patrol when they came across a vehicle at Cotgrave Country Park at around 11.30pm. It was full of logs that had been taken from the woods.
A spokesperson for the force said the driver has been dealt with by a community resolution and education about the offence of theft.
In a Facebook post, Rushcliffe South Police stated: “We would like to remind the community that fallen trees, branches or cut logs remains the property of the landowner whether it is on public or private land – in this case Nottinghamshire County Council – and cannot be taken without the owner’s consent, however tempting it may be to obtain free firewood.
“Fallen logs and branches play a big part in the woodland ecosystem and are homes to insects, fungi and lichens which provide a food source to other woodland creatures. By taking the logs not only is it an offence of theft it has a negative effect on the ecosystem.”
Any suspicious activity can be reported to Nottinghamshire Police through its website, calling 101 or calling 999 if an emergency.