Timber theft has been taking the spotlight in recent news with almost no definitive solution for the crime. The illegal logging industry is increasing, leaving victims with billions of dollars worth of missing timber worldwide. It is also the leading cause of deforestation, affecting the eco systems and natural habitats of endangered species in many countries across the globe. Spraying the logs, taking records of stocks, immediately applying timber dye to logs, building relationships with the mill – these are only preemptive measures a forester can take to ward off thieves and will not stop professionals from stealing lumber nor will it put them behind bars. Suggested theft prevention measures until now, unfortunately, have proven to be ineffective in actually catching the thieves in action.

Those days are now over.

One logging company with an ongoing timber theft problem sought for an effective theft prevention solution when surveillance efforts failed to stop further theft. They came to ENAiKOON seeking a GPS tracking solution. After just three months, our team of dedicated hardware developers created the new locate-18 GPS tracking device. With its plastic, tube-like housing that fits discreetly into logs, the locate-18’s sole purpose is to stop timber thieves in action.

The GPS device alone cannot stop timber theft. ENAiKOON’s complete solution includes an adjustable vibration sensor, a camera, infrared lights, a GPS receiver for localisation, a SIM card for GPRS transmission, a powerful set of batteries, and the use of telematics management software: inViu pro.

Here’s how to stop timber theft. First, drill a hole into a log in a felled lumber pile and insert the 20 x 3.5 cm locate-18 with its vibration sensor activated. Make the drill holes invisible by covering them up with previously sawed wooden discs. Then, install cameras with infrared lights in various loading areas. When the tracked log is moved unexpectedly, the GPS tracking device sends an alert to the server and activates the surveillance cameras.

This is exactly what the logging company did and just as we suspected, unusual movement of lumber piles were detected just a month after installation. They mounted a locate-18 in every lumber pile and hid security cameras in owl boxes that were hung near their loading areas. When the logs were moved it triggered the cameras which took photos of the theft at the crime scene; this evidence was later used in court to support the case. Knowing the exact GPS coordinates of the moving lumber pile, the logging company found out the logs were taken to the exact same sawmill that the usual shipments went to, concluding that it was an insider job. Turns out, the contracted truck drivers were taking extra loads to the mill. All stolen timber was recovered with the suspects successfully convicted in court. The company has not seen any criminal activity since then.

Let’s put an end to illegal logging and timber theft. If you manage a logging company experiencing timber theft, ENAiKOON’s timber theft prevention is your solution. Contact us for a customised solution for your company.