Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/45785
MANAGEMENT Low-tech deterrents reduce risk of theft Solar panels were stolen three different times from Honig Vineyard & Winery in Rutherford, Calif. by Deborah Parker Wong AT A GLANCE The location of a solar array is not necessarily an effective theft deterrent. Serial numbers of solar panels should be kept on file at the win- ery and with the supplier. Proprietary, tamper-proof bolts are an effective, low-technology deterrent. The GridLock Solar Security sys- tem hard-wires panels together. The Videofied motion-activated, video monitoring system can thwart thieves. 72 VINEYARD & WINERY MANAGEMENT NOV - DEC 2011 heft of solar panels from wineries in Northern Cali- fornia has been on the wane since the height of a 2009 crime spree, yet unprotected solar instal- lations are still being targeted by opportunistic thieves. Jon Thompson, a deputy with Napa County's Problem Oriented Policing Program, has visited the site of every solar panel theft in the county. He credits Napa Valley Crime Stoppers (NVCS), a non-prof- it organization founded in August 2010 by the Rutherford Dust Soci- ety and vintner Michael Honig – who has had ground-mounted panels stolen on three occasions – with raising awareness in the com- munity. "In 2009 Rutherford was the nation's leader in solar panel instal- lation, and that year alone (vintners) lost $400,000 worth of solar pan- els to theft," Thompson said. As a result, NVCS established an anony- mous tip line through its Facebook page that offers a cash reward for information leading to arrests. Thompson's unit has also been pro- active with the Napa Valley Grape- growers and Napa Valley Vintners associations in raising awareness among wineries and encouraging them to increase security mea- sures. HOW MUCH PROTECTION IS ENOUGH? "Security is essential, but to what degree depends on your installa- WWW.VWM-ONLINE.COM