Timber theft is a problem related to ready access and to boundary length. It needs to be added to risk estimates along with fire, insects, and disease. It is often lumped with "vandalism." Like cattle rustling, the acts are difficult to catch and unless the areas are well marked, thieves often "get off", unconvicted.

The planned ways to avoid theft are:

• Engage in education about timber theft, proper timber marking.
• Practicing superior forestry can reduce economic hardships within the area, thus the pressures to steal timber.
• Perhaps not posting reward notices, make it known that rewards for information are available.
• In likely areas, mark choice border trees with invisible fluorescent powders. Information that unknown security efforts are underway may discourage some theft.
• Encourage widespread reporting of apprehensions of thieves.
• Be sure that the costs of inspection, apprehension, and law enforcement do not excede the value of the potential losses.
• Identify and mark your property lines. Get them surveyed and mark them with bright paint. Use GPS to clarify or confirm corners and potential target trees.
• Keep the marks refreshed every few years.
• Walk your property regularly and look for signs of trespass. This is particularly important for absentee landowners, who should get someone they trust to walk the property for them.
• Closely monitor neighboring logging operations, because this is when the risk of theft is highest.
• Know the companies that are working on adjacent property.
• To keep communication open. Let your neighbors and local mills know when you have sold timber.
• Hire a professional forester to assist in the planning and harvesting timber. He or she should inspect the logging job frequently (and report visits to you) to ensure respect of boundaries.
• Stay abreast of changes in Virginia laws that protect landowners against timber thieves. Possible sources are: Virginia Department of Forestry, Society of Arnerican Foresters, and the Virginia Forestry Association. Also Extension Agents will forward your requests for information to respondents.
• If you discover a theft, it is critical that you report it at once to the authorities. Call either the county sheriff or the state police.
• If you decide to harvest your own timber, contact a professional to help assist with planning and harvesting.
• Be sure that contracts are clear and their intentions are well described to loggers to prevent cuts that appear illegal. (A sample contract is provided at this link.)