Police concerned with increase of Solar panels theft 

Paul Pindani

Members of the public have been urged to secure their solar systems equipment from criminals who are targeting homesteads and institutions.

Mashonaland West Provincial Acting Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector, Ian Kohwera, told Mash West Times, that the police  in Mashonaland West Province have noted with concern cases of theft of solar systems equipment occurring throughout the province.

Kohwera said criminals

 are targeting the panels, batteries, invertors at individual homestead or institutions.

" It has been established that people are not putting enough security measures at points where these gadgets are erected thereby giving room to criminals to access the equipment without challenges," said Kohwera.

He added.

"In one of the incidence which occurred on February 8 2023 in Chinhoyi, three accused  unknown men stole 8x 350 watts and 4x 24 volts batteries and were seen loading the loot in their gateaway car at around 2am,"

Kohwera said the equipment was not guarded.

He urged the general public to be wary of this trend and ensure that there equipment is secured.

Kohwera said tight security systems must be put in place to reduce the rampant trend.

"Physical marks/features to be put on the equipment to assist on identification in case of being stolen and recovered," said Kohwera.

He added.

"Police takes this opportunity to appeal to those who might have information that might let to the arresting of criminals to approach any police station or Criminal Investigation Department Mashonaland West on 0672122353 or 0772 456 447,"