Search and rescue operations and other services that depend on radio transmission in the Blue Mountains could be compromised because of the theft of solar panels from radio repeaters in the area, police say.
Constable John Mawhinney, of Tapanui, said seven panels, worth more than $6000, had been taken from repeaters just over a month ago and there was still no sign of them.
Some were used by search groups while power companies also relied on the panels to power the repeaters, which were in "extremely isolated" areas.
