New charge point cable alarm to deter thieves

A new electric vehicle (EV) charge point cable alarm has been introduced in response to rising incidents of theft and vandalism. 

Launched by Evolt Charging, it is believed to be the first device of its kind to be used in the UK and aims to give charge point operators (CPOs) an effective way of protecting their assets, keeping their charging infrastructure secure and available for drivers to use.

Fleet News first reported on thieves targeting EV charging cables in 2021. More recently, charge point operators have experienced cases of vandalism and theft, with Britain's largest operator of rapid chargers, InstaVolt revealing it had 174 cables stolen from 27 sites from November 2023 to July 2024.

Thieves are cutting charging cables to strip and sell the copper wiring inside to illegal scrap dealers.

However, a recent CBN News report looking into charging cable thefts in Canada found that chargers only contain about $5 worth of copper metal – less than £4.

Osprey is trialling the new cable alarm at a selection of key sites. Lewis Gardiner, operations director at Osprey, said: “Tackling the cable theft currently plaguing public charging hubs relies on collaboration between CPOs, hardware manufacturers and host landlords, all of whom are impacted if solutions are not found.

“Evolt’s new cable alarm is a welcome, proactive approach. Osprey have always been quick to trial new technology, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this innovation on the ground.”

The cable alarm, manufactured by Circontrol, can be installed on any of Osprey’s DC chargers within an hour, says Evolt. 

The device detects when a charger cable has been cut or removed, immediately activating an audible alarm and flashing beacon. 

The alarm can be set to continue for a pre-determined period, ranging from anywhere between 10 minutes and two hours. 

The device can also be integrated with notification and management systems, as well as existing security systems and site lighting to add a further layer of protection on site.

Anne Buckingham, managing director at Evolt Charging, says Evolt is committed to supporting CPOs. 

“The increase in EV cable theft is a real concern,” she said. “It is inconvenient and frustrating for EV drivers and costly for the charge point owners, so we need to be one-step ahead of the criminals. 

“This is high on the agenda for CPOs who will require a combination of different tools and tactics depending on the different types of locations they need to protect. 

“Their response to the new cable alarm is already encouraging.”

Fleet News recently reported how charge point operator BeEV had partnered with Formula Space and Derbyshire Police to crackdown on charging cable vandalism in Chesterfield.  

BeEV said that charging theft is a massive issue disrupting charge point operators across the country, with theft and vandalism costing the industry upwards of £500,000 based on the cost of replacement, repair and lost income.

As a result, BeEV launched the ‘Charging Hub Intelligent Protection’ initiative, or CHIP, to deter future charger vandalism and keep locations safe and available for drivers.

It has installed a mobile CCTV system which is monitored around the clock, and a tannoy system to warn any gangs of criminals that they are being recorded.

Its new system will automatically alert local police should any criminal activity occur, and the site’s new ‘Selecta DNA’ protected cables give each of them a unique DNA coating, meaning the police can easily trace their origin, associate them with a criminal, and hold the vandals to account. 

Buckingham concluded: “We are fully behind Charge UK and its pledge to work with the police and relevant authorities to find solutions to help deter these incidents and are committed to supporting leading CPOs like Osprey with new solutions to tackle this growing problem.”