The loot amounted to 15 tons: thieves unknowingly stole 600 solar panels in Bavaria

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Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular. Nearly 43,000 photovoltaic systems were installed in Switzerland in 2022 – approximately 59 percent more than the previous year. The solar energy industry is also growing rapidly in Germany. Not only climate-conscious people are happy with this, but also criminals. Recently they have also focused on solar systems.

In the Bavarian Landsberg am Lech, thieves stole solar panels worth 70,000 euros on Tuesday evening. Unnoticed, they loaded 600 panels into different vehicles. Then they left with the 15 tons of loot. The panels were stored on a solar field that was under construction.

Not the first time

There is currently a serious suspicion of gang theft. The Fürstenfeldbruck police department has started an investigation. Witnesses are urgently sought.

Because it was not the first theft of its kind, it is obvious that organized criminals were involved. As “Spiegel” reports, solar panels were also stolen in Denklingen, about 16 kilometers away, in the summer. At that moment, the thieves stole 800 panels from a construction site. The total damage: 100,000 euros.

Thefts also took place in Switzerland

As SRF reports, thefts are also increasing in this country. Several cantonal police confirmed that solar panels are regularly lost.

Giovanni Tino, technical director of Romand Solariums, is concerned. He was also robbed. He explains to SRF: “Solar panels have become rare. If you look at the development, more and more thefts will occur.” Some photovoltaic companies have already taken measures to protect their panels. For example, cameras were installed and security patrols were deployed. (Mrs)

Source: Blick