The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help after walnut trees were stolen from the yard of a Hartford Township home last week.
MLive reports the homeowner was away when walnut trees were cut down and removed from the property. A Facebook post from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department confirmed officers responded to the incident on April 2, and said a white truck was seen in the area on the day of the crime.
Walnut tree thefts have happened before in Southwest Michigan — last year a man was sentenced to over three years in prison after he was intercepted at a sawmill with walnut trees stolen from Cass County.
According to the US Forest Service, walnut trees are sought after for their high-quality wood that’s used to make furniture and other products.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department asks anyone with information about the incident to call 269-657-3101.
