A driver in Wales has been caught on a trail camera after stealing a Christmas tree from a Clocaenog Forest, which is home to a population of the red squirrel.
Police dealt with the matter after discussion with officers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and the thief has been ordered to pay suitable compensation through a community resolution. Taking trees from forests without permission can be an offence under the Theft Act 1968, and punishment for such offences can vary.
This incident also highlighted the recent series of thefts of young conifer trees from NRW-managed woodland in Afan Forest in Neath Port Talbot, and Alwen Forest near Ruthin.
The 15,000-acre Clocaenog Forest is home to a red squirrel, which is native and an endangered species, therefore, money from the fine will provide funds to help preserve Welsh biodiversity.
"Our tree thief has today been dealt with via a Community Resolution after discussion with @NatResWales," the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team tweeted.
"He has to pay suitable compensation which has now been donated to the Red Squirrel Conservation Trust at Clocaenog where he stole the tree."
