Fuel thefts have become a significant concern for entrepreneurs operating in logging sites across Finland, particularly in winter months. Recently, a noteworthy incident in Ylä-Valtimo, North Karelia, saw nearly 2,000 liters of light heating oil stolen from tanks over a weekend in January, with police yet to identify the culprits. This raises concerns about financial losses and disruptive impacts on ongoing projects, prompting many companies to adopt various protective measures against such crimes.

Entrepreneurs like Mikko Varis from Enon Metsäpalvelu emphasize that they have taken extensive precautions to safeguard their fuel supplies, including using locked tanks and strategically positioning them away from main roads to deter thieves. Some companies even transport fuel tanks to the worksite in vehicles that are removed overnight to minimize access to criminals. Additional security measures, such as surveillance cameras and insurance for property, have also been implemented as part of their strategy to combat fuel theft.

Despite these efforts, the threat remains significant, as evidenced by a past incident where a thief managed to break into a locked fuel tank at Enon Metsäpalvelu's site last spring without completely emptying it. This breach not only causes financial loss but also instills fear and concern among entrepreneurs about potential vandalism or other damage to their property. The ongoing issue of fuel theft highlights the broader challenges facing the logging industry in Finland and the need for comprehensive strategies to combat such criminal activities.