GARDAÍ IN WICKLOW have arrested a man following a joint operation with Coillte investigating the theft of timber in the area.

The man, who in his 40s, was arrested in the Baltinglass area yesterday and is currently detained at Baltinglass Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Mick Power, National Estate Risk Manager for Coillte said the arrest came at a time when timber is in high demand.

“For some time now Coillte in co-operation with the gardaí in Wicklow and Wexford have been monitoring a number of a timber thefts in the area.

“Camera systems and other surveillance systems have been placed in areas of high activity where valuable sawlog timber has been known to be stolen. Most of the stolen material has been removed from Coillte standing sales but some may have come from private sources as well.

“Timber as a commodity is in big demand whether it be from the sawmilling sector for sawn wood or from firewood merchants as firewood.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí at Baltinglass Garda Station, on 059 6482610, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111.

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