A man is facing criminal charges after allegedly stealing more than 50 tonnes of firewood worth $10,000 from a reserve in Tasmania.
The 33-year-old has been charged with 11 counts of trespass and 11 counts of stealing after being found in the Tin Pot Marsh Creek Reserve cutting firewood in the early hours of Tuesday.
An investigation was sparked after police were tipped off about firewood being taken from the region.
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It comes after 19 people were charged in 2020 following a major operation into firewood theft from the same area.
The man, from Oakdowns, is expected to front court at a later date.
"It is alleged the man has stolen in excess of 50 tonnes of firewood with an estimated value of $10,000," Tasmania Police said in a statement.
Police allege his offending began in November.
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Six other people will be summoned to attend court on stealing and trespass charges.
Police have reminded the public that permits are available from state forestry operator Sustainable Timber Tasmania for gathering firewood for personal use.
"(We) ask the public to be cautious when buying firewood and to ask questions to ensure that it has been sourced legally," they said.
Australian Associated Press
