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Across Europe we’re witnessing a surge in the construction of solar farms and battery storage facilities. That’s great news for the clean energy revolution but has also signalled boom time for organised criminal gangs.
We operate a crime intelligence portal for the police and critical infrastructure companies that helps inform their crime prevention activities. The data shows that the prevalence and threat of cable theft from solar farms has never been greater.
43
Police Forces
70+
UK solar farm crime reports over six months
5,000
Annual thefts across Europe
In the UK, where we have a data sharing agreement with all 43 police forces, we can confidently say that between January and August 2024 there were at least 70 reported offences against solar farms, and in more than 20% of those incidents, more than 20km of cable was stolen. In Europe, the situation is much the same, with an estimated 5,000 “major” solar thefts occurring annually, including 400 in Germany alone.
Most striking in our data are the vast amounts of cable being stolen and the high likelihood of impacted sites being targeted again once the stolen cable is replaced. Such ambition and determination conclusively point to the involvement of highly organised criminal gangs.
This guide is for anybody involved in the construction or operation of solar farms and battery storage facilities. Based on our experience of protecting over 2.5GW of solar capacity across Europe, we will first lay out the scale of the problem before offering pragmatic recommendations to help you predict, deter, and detect threats, ensuring your sites remain secure.
Solar in Numbers.
9.1%
2023 EU electricity generation from solar
(Source: Electricity Review 2024)
14.1GW
Germany’s 2023 record for most solar installed by an EU country in a single year
(Source: SolarPower Europe)
62GW
Solar capacity expected to be added in Europe in 2024
(Source: SolarPower Europe)
70GW
The average annual European solar capacity increase needed to hit 2030 solar targets
(Source: SolarPower Europe)
750km
The approximate amount of cable stolen from UK solar farms alone – January to August 2024
(Source: DeterTech Crime Intelligence)
20%
Proportion of reported offences in which more than 20km of cable was stolen from UK solar farms – January to August 2024
(Source: DeterTech Crime Intelligence)
2.5GW
The amount of solar capacity across Europe currently protected by DeterTech
(Source: DeterTech)
2.5 million
The number of homes that can already be powered by solar farms protected by DeterTech
Source: Ofgem)
Recommendations for Businesses.
Ensure Prominent Signage
Clearly communicate that advanced security measures are in place. The first priority should be maximising their deterrent value.
Conduct Regular Perimeter Checks
Monitor for any fencing that has recently been damaged or cut. This is often a precursor to further intrusion.
Limit Vehicular Access
A determining factor in the size of thefts is how closely criminals can park a vehicle to the materials they are looking to steal.
Audit CCTV Set-up
Regularly ensure CCTV is in good working order and that there are no blind spots. Escalate any damage or interference to CCTV cameras immediately, as this could be a precursor to an attack.
Report all Incidents
Promptly notify the police and DeterTech Crime Intelligence of incidents and thefts. It allows for the improved monitoring of the location and modus operandi of organised criminal gangs.
Maintain a Tidy Site
Avoid leaving cable and plant equipment in view of the site perimeter to discourage unwanted attention.
Change the Environment
Once targeted, sites are highly likely to be revisited within the same year. So, ensure there is a visible security upgrade at these premises. The PID360 is a proven solution that can be in place within 72 hours.
Rely on Visually Verified Intruder Detection
Incident response times are critical in deterring and limiting thefts. Our Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) typically takes just 47 seconds to review, verify and escalate an identified intrusion.
Use Forensic Marking
SmartWater has a 100% conviction rate in contested court cases. Mark and register assets and materials to ensure the best chance of their recovery if stolen.
Leverage Local Eyes & Ears
Communicate with staff and the local community about who to call if they suspect criminality on site. Instruct them not to directly challenge offenders, but to note details that could be of interest to security and the police.
Our Rapid Response Solution.
Solar & Battery Storage Facilities
When sites are targeted, it’s imperative you move quickly to put additional and highly visible security measures in place.
That’s why we’ve launched a dedicated rapid response offering for solar farms & battery storage facilities.
It can be hired and fully operational within 72 hours.
It offers immediate protection and buys the time for DeterTech’s site security experts to conduct a thorough complimentary security threat assessment.
72 hours
Dedicated and operational within
The rapid response offering comprises:
- PID360: 4 x PID360s, the industry-leading intrusion detection device, described by Security Journal UK as “the ultimate deterrent.”
- CCTV Tower: A solar-powered CCTV tower that can be triggered by the PID360s to provide high-definition overwatch for as long as the suspect(s) remain on site.
- 24/7/365 Monitoring: From DeterTech’s BS EN 50518 accredited in-house ARC.
- SmartWater: Forensic marking for additional asset protection.
