Rash Of Birch Tree Thefts In Wisconsin And Minnesota Hits Brookfield Last Week

BROOKFIELD - A recent string of birch tree thefts in Wisconsin and Minnesota has hit Brookfield, where two suspects stole 14 trees on March 27 from a business near Greenfield Ave. and S. Sunny Slope Road.

Fox 6 reports that police say 12 arborvitae trees and two flowering trees were stolen between 2 and 3:45 a.m. The suspect who took the trees is described as white or Hispanic with average height and build and no description was released of the second suspect, who drove the vehicle, described as a newer model, light-colored SUV with a small utility trailer.

Birch trees have increased in popularity recently, as urban dwellers want a touch of the North Woods look in their homes. The Washburn County Sheriff's Office reported 15 to 20 recent thefts in Washburn County alone.

Wisconsin state, county, and federals officials are planning to meet soon to discuss the problem, as the replanting and growing process takes at least a decade.

Anyone with information on the Brookfield incident is encouraged to call Brookfield Police at (262) 787-3702.