Private Forestry Kangaroo Island and local police are concerned for the safety of forestry workers and landholders who are at risk after a recent spate of break-ins in forestry plantations on the western end of Kangaroo Island.

Great Southern Limited (receviers and managers appointed, administrators appointed) and Rural Aus Plantations Limited have reported a number of incidents in the past few weeks where locks and chains have been cut to gain access to properties. There is also evidence of trespassers gaining entry to properties by foot and by pushing over fences with cars. Shooting and marron poaching seem to be the main reasons behind the break-ins.

Regional forestry managers Dennis Wedding of Rural Aus, and Hamish Little of Great Southern Limited, along with private landholders, are disappointed to see community members illegally entering properties and have combined with local police to investigate and instigate prosecutions.

Some are already being prosecuted by police with more under surveillance. Offenders will face serious charges of breaking and entering, unlawful discharge of firearms, trespassing and could have their guns taken, gun licences revoked or vehicles impounded.

Forest workers, contractors, graziers of plantations and government and Natural Resources Management Board employees with legitimate access to properties are in danger from people shooting on private properties and plantations without appropriate controls or permission.

Private Forestry KI chairman Malcolm Boxall was concerned for the safety of community members and said lives were being put at risk by these “foolish and disrespectful acts”.

“It will not be tolerated by forestry companies on the Island,” Mr Boxall said. He asked anyone with information to contact Kangaroo Island police.