A Northumberland solar farm could be targeted by organised crime gangs, police have warned.
Exagen has lodged a planning application with Northumberland County Council to build a solar farm on land to the west of Whittonstall, which would comprise between 75,000 and 100,000 panels.
But Northumbria Police has raised concerns about the security of solar panels and says organised crime gangs often travel the length of the county to target solar farms to steal cables and solar panels.
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In a letter submitted to Northumberland County Council, the force says crime on solar farms has increased by 93% from 2021 to 2022, with a 48% increase in the theft of cables, and theft of solar panels quadrupling in the same time period.
The statement adds: "Historically, it has mainly been Organised Crime Gangs that would target solar farms, travelling the length of the country.
"However, in the last year, it is thought that around 25% of the reported offences on solar farms are due to local offenders who repeatedly target the same areas.
"There continues to be a high level of repeat victimisation; once a solar farm has been targeted once, it is likely to be targeted again. 61% of solar farms that reported a crime in 2022 either suffered another offence in the same year, or a solar farm within five miles did.
"The price of copper is set to remain consistent until the second half of 2023, when it is forecast to increase in to 2024. This will drive up the rate of cable theft across all industries, including solar."
The proposal by Exagen outlines plans for a 2.4m high stock proof boundary which police say would "provide little deterrence value at all".
The police statement adds: "Northumbria Police have considered the issue of security of Solar Farms, most of which are sited in rural areas and can perhaps expect at best a response taking up to 15-20 minutes and have formulated an appropriate recommendation based on that expectation.
"Security fencing, rather than post and rail is the minimum requirement for a Solar Farm. The purpose of security fencing is to Deter, Delay and Detect."
Residents in the area have vehemently opposed the proposals, which they say will mar the picturesque landscape.
The impact it will have on wildlife, fire and safety risks, and a potential increase in criminal activities have also been raised as concerns.
Campaigner Adam Brown, who lives in the area, said: “The impact of this solar and battery installation in terms of crime and the prospect of
organised crime gangs targeting this area for copper and the solar panels is immeasurable.
"For Exagen, profit for their shareholders comes first, at the expense of our local community and the general public who will not see any benefit whatsoever in terms of a reduction in energy costs."
If approved the solar farm, known as Highfield Energy Park, could comprise between 75,000 and 100,000 panels that could generate around 52,000 MW hours per year - enough electricity to power 17,500 Northumberland homes.
Exagen managing director Mark Rowcroft said they take security and potential thefts "very seriously" across all their projects.
He added: "Security is a key consideration in the construction and operation of a solar farm to ensure it can continue to generate power without interference.
"Exagen focusses on using careful design and technology to manage and monitor sites and we will employ the latest and most advanced mounting, monitoring and warning systems to minimise this risk.
"The proactive recommendations on security measures are welcome and we will engage with specialist solar farm security companies and Northumbria Police as this project continues through planning and into construction to ensure that, as a member of Whittonstall’s rural community – our businesses are well protected."
