THIRTEEN chainsaws have been reported stolen in Collie since November, with the officer-in-charge of Collie Police Station describing the pattern as "an epidemic".
Snr Sgt Michael Dean said the thieves were breaking into houses and sheds to steal the chainsaws.
He said many people needed chainsaws to collect wood for the coming winter months.
The total value of the stolen chainsaws has not been calculated but police have tallied the total value of five of the chainsaws to be $6800.
The latest chainsaw to be stolen belonged to 74-year-old Terry Jones, of Mungalup Road. It was stolen from his utility, which was parked at the back of his property, between 1pm and 1.30pm last Saturday.
Snr Sgt Dean said if someone was selling cheap chainsaws, people "probably should ask questions". "I'm very interested in anyone selling chainsaws," Snr Sgt Dean said.
Mr Jones said his chainsaw was stolen while he was having lunch.
The thief's actions were bold, Mr Jones said.
It was daylight, a back window of the house had a clear view of the vehicle and there was a dog in the yard. However, the dog did not bark and Mr Jones did not realise the chainsaw was missing until he returned to the ute. Nothing else was stolen. "You would think things are safe in your own domain," Mr Jones said.
Mr Jones does not have a spare chainsaw and he has been unable to replenish his wood supply. "I've got enough to last a week," he said.
The chainsaw was a 300 series Husqvarna.
Mr Jones said before he had lunch he saw several people in the nearby laneway, and they may have seen the chainsaw being stolen.
Anyone with information which could help police with their investigations should ring 9734 6333.
