By SDCN Editor
Spring Valley, CA–The Valley Center Sheriff’s Department seeks the public’s help in solving a string of utility-grade battery thefts in North County.
From late December through January, detectives say more than 100 LG Lithium Power cell batteries, each valued at around $3,000, were stolen from the Valley Center Energy Storage Facility located near the intersection of Cole Grade Road and Valley Center Road in Valley Center.
No suspects have been identified in the thefts, Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Jim Emig said in a news release.
The stolen JH4-P LG NMC Lithium-Ion batteries are about the size of a dresser (about 6×4.5×3.5 feet) and are not intended for commercial and personal use.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department advises the public not to attempt to use or connect these batteries because of the risk of fire and explosion. The batteries should only be operated in a commercial facility and require several external design parameters to operate safely. The batteries must have a system to monitor current, voltage, temperature, and other conditions. They require strict environmental conditions to maintain temperature parameters and a water-cooling system in case of an overheating emergency.
If the batteries are not properly and securely installed, they could be damaged by vibration or seismic events. Without these important design parameters, the batteries could fail, ignite or even explode.
Anyone who believes they may have purchased one of these stolen batteries or has information regarding these thefts is asked to call the Valley Center Sheriff’s Substation at (760) 751-4400.
