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Criminal Syndicates Target Solar Systems in South African Homes

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South African homeowners are facing a new security threat as organised gangs target solar panels, batteries and gas cylinders. The growing black market for energy equipment is turning home power systems into prime theft targets.

Organised criminal syndicates in South Africa are increasingly targeting residential solar panels, battery backup systems, and gas cylinders as demand for alternative energy solutions grows. Security experts warn that these thefts are no longer opportunistic, with well-equipped groups able to dismantle and remove systems quickly before selling them through informal channels.

The trend is raising concerns among homeowners who have invested heavily in energy resilience amid ongoing power challenges. Industry leaders are urging property owners to integrate energy installations into existing security systems and calling for stricter regulation of second-hand solar equipment markets. Authorities are also being encouraged to improve serial number tracking to make stolen equipment harder to resell.

Read the full story at "https://www.iol.co.za"

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