Two years ago we bought a beautiful property in Pucon with a view of the lake and thick rows of trees around the perimeter of our property to isolate our yards from the neighbors. While we were out of town for a few weeks, the landowner uphill of our back yard enterd our property and cut down a large number of trees so he could sell his lots with a view of the lake for higher prices. Large part of the timber was stolen and the branches left behind. The surrounding neighbors assure me this is not a standard thing here. They are apalled and they called the carabineros who filed a criminal report. Here there are three approaches that we are now considering with an attorney.
A criminal suit for illegal entry and damage to our property.
B civil suit to recover cost of re-planting.
C file a report with forestry for illegal removal of native species of trees.
I havebeen repeatedly assured that this is not a common practice and that the consequences could lead to the perpetrator having a criminal record or if he already has a criminal record it could mean jail time.
Chileans take their forestry seriously and trust me, you do not want to go to jail in Chile. As a result, crime is extremely low here, we live without bars on our windows or doors, without alarm systems or patrolling. we want to keep it that way.
A criminal suit for illegal entry and damage to our property.
B civil suit to recover cost of re-planting.
C file a report with forestry for illegal removal of native species of trees.
I havebeen repeatedly assured that this is not a common practice and that the consequences could lead to the perpetrator having a criminal record or if he already has a criminal record it could mean jail time.
Chileans take their forestry seriously and trust me, you do not want to go to jail in Chile. As a result, crime is extremely low here, we live without bars on our windows or doors, without alarm systems or patrolling. we want to keep it that way.
