Over 200 cases of sandalwood thefts are reported annually in the city with the Indian Air Force premises in Jalahalli reporting the same with an alarming consistency. There was an attempt recently to even cut down sandalwood trees at Karnataka State Police Wireless Headquarters on M.G. Road. During daytime, these people survey the area and identify the trees and at night come in groups of three or four, or perhaps more. While many use ordinary saws, some even come prepared with hand-held electric saws and helmets with lights.