Sonian Forest tree thieves caught in the act

A pair of tree thieves were caught red-handed trying to make away with €5,000 worth of wood in the Sonian Forest.

Forest rangers had long suspected that an organised gang were stealing trunks that had been felled ready for auction.

During a routine patrol early one morning, a ranger spotted a truck. Two men, from Limburg province, were preparing to steal four felled trees.

"Police took the two suspects in for questioning in Watermael-Boitsfort," said forest ranger Bart Swerts.

Every year, some of the forest's trees are selected for sale. They are mainly sent to China and used to make furniture.

"It's not easy to sell," said Brussels Environment senior engineer Stéphane Vanwijnsberghe. "You really have to know the wood processing industry well and have good connections."