Woodland Heists: Rising Energy Costs Drive Up Forest Thievery (Germany)

Der Spiegel ^ | 17JAN2013 | Renuka Rayasam

[Jack Hydrazine]

With energy costs escalating, more Germans are turning to wood burning stoves for heat. That, though, has also led to a rise in tree theft in the country's forests. Woodsmen have become more watchful.

With snow blanketing the ground, it's the perfect time of year to snuggle up in front of a fireplace. That, though, makes German foresters nervous. When the mercury falls, the theft of wood in the country's woodlands goes up as people turn to cheaper ways to heat their homes.

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The problem has been compounded this winter by rising energy costs. The Germany's Renters Association estimates the heating costs will go up 22 percent this winter alone.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Good pics. Here is a more comprehensive guide to oven stoves.

http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2008/12/tile-stoves.html