Theft of solar components on rise in Sinoville, CPF warns
Property owners should consider microdotting the panels, which allows for the identification of stolen panels, and installing hidden transmitters that cannot be blocked by radio frequencies.
The Sinoville CPF has issued a warning that the theft of solar system components in the area is rising.
This warning comes after two businesses were broken into in the early hours of Sunday and their inverter systems stolen.
CPF spokesperson Lizette du Plooy said the criminals use the cover of darkness during load-shedding and electricity disruptions to steal the panels.
She said this is a serious issue that not only causes financial loss to the owners of the solar panels but also undermines the efforts to deal with the energy crisis.
“The increased use of solar power solutions has led to an emerging black market trade in stolen panels and their components.”
She said the solar panels and components have been increasingly sought due to their scrap value.
Du Plooy encouraged all homeowners and business owners to ensure that they implement adequate security procedures to protect their solar panels and inverters.
She said that property owners should consider micro-dotting the panels, which allows for the identification of stolen panels, and installing hidden transmitters that cannot be blocked by radio frequencies.
“In addition, homeowners should keep their property well-lit and consider installing motion sensor lights to deter criminals,” she said.
She said these measures can help to ensure that solar panels are secure and protected from theft, reducing the risk of financial and environmental damage.
Du Plooy offered these safety tips to reduce solar panel theft:
– Protect the perimeter of your property with fences, gates and security bars.
– Wireless-operated beams are an early warning system.
– Instal a security camera system to act as a deterrent for criminals and assist SAPS with investigations.
– Solar system components can be fitted with GPS devices to assist with tracking and recovery.
For any assistance, residents can contact the Sinoville CPF 24-hour emergency numbers:
Sector 1: 071 509 6830 (Annlin, Wonderboom, Sinoville & Magalieskruin areas).
Sector 2: 079 025 5001 (Montana Park, Montana Gardens & Montana Agricultural Holdings – north of Sefako Makgatho Drive).
Sector 3 & 4: 074 133 4353 (Doornpoort area).
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