The K9 unit in Port Elizabeth arrested a 19-year-old teenager who was allegedly part of a group of men who cut through the fence of the Airport in order to gain access.
Spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says police received a complaint in the early hours of Thursday morning of a theft in progress at the PE Airport.
Once the suspects noticed members of Airport security they ran into the bushes.
Naidu says once police arrived they tactically advanced into the bushes and spotted the suspects.
When the men ignored police warnings to stop, Sergeant Wallace Kettledas released his dog, Bentley.
The K9 managed to catch one suspect while the three others ran away.
According to Aviation Authorities, approximately 28 solar panels were stolen from the Airport in a matter of six weeks.
They seek urgent intervention from SAPS as the theft of these panels pose a serious threat to communication between the aircraft and tower control.
The teenager is expected to appear in court soon where he will face charges relating to the Aviation and Airport Security Related Issues Act 13 of 2009 and Malicious Damage to property.
