OWNERS of solar energy sites in the Wellington area have been warned to take extra security measures to counter the threat of specialist criminals.

The advice came after a spate of break-ins at solar farms in central and southern England.

Avon and Somerset Police crime prevention design advisor Derek Meredith said there had been 17 attacks on solar farms in the six weeks to the end of April.

Although there had not yet been any similar crimes in Somerset a ‘nearby county’ had been affected, said Mr Meredith.

He said cables, solar panels, and inverters had been stolen in the raids.

Mr Meredith said: “Thieves have made multiple trips to some established sites to test levels of security and steal large quantities of equipment.

“They tend not to use main entrances but break through perimeter fencing in remote locations. Attacks have also been made at sites under construction.”

Mr Meredith said it appeared to be an increasing crime trend which should be brought to people’s attention so they could maintain and improve levels of security to deter such attacks.