This master thesis was performed as a mission from Holmen Skog with the purpose to investigate to which extent their own machine teams and engaged contractors were exposed to theft and vandalism, and most common preventive measures used. With the help of collected data the study should lead to proposals of preventive measures that can help the machine teams in their struggle to minimise theft and vandalism.
Theft and vandalism are a big problem for Swedish forest contractors. In a scarce economic situation thefts and vandalism rapidly decrease the profit for the contractors. However, the last years have resulted in a positive awareness of thefts, and more and better preventive measures have been developed. With the initiative of this master thesis, Holmen Skog show that they are aware of the situation and that they wish to take control of the problem.
A total amount of 108 questionnaires was sent out to Holmen’s own machine teams and engaged contractors. Out of those, 108 questionnaires 82 was returned, which gave a participation of 76 %.
Of those who answered had 57 % sometime during the last three years been exposed to theft or vandalism. The most common stolen goods were:
1. Diesel (51 %)
2. Tools (47 %)
3. Electronic (20 %)
4. Workshop equipment (19 %)
5. Other equipment (11 %)
Vandalism mostly occurs during attempted thefts, locks and doors are often damaged during a theft. The estimated cost for vandalism were approximately 400 000 SEK. The estimated cost for theft including down-time was approximately 830 000 SEK. The cost represents the sum of costs during the last three years.
The most used preventive measure were different types of locks (55 %) followed by hidden portable diesel tank (43 %). A hidden diesel tank means that a portable tank after the work day is over, is transported away from the road into the woods. Camera surveillance (6 %) and different kind of tracking devices (2 %) are not so common among the machine teams.
Good preventive measures, which can help against theft and vandalism, are available on the Swedish market. Examples of preventive measures are e.g...
