Companies and police forces are working together to crack down on motorists stealing electric vehicle charging cables with tough new security measures to deter would-be criminals.
Derbyshire Police has joined forces with the national charging network Be.EV and EV charging specialist Formula Space to tackle the growing issue of electric vehicle charging cable theft in Chesterfield.
The partnership has launched the Charging Hub Intelligent Protection (CHIP) initiative, aimed at deterring vandalism and ensuring the safety of charging locations for drivers.
This move comes in response to a recent spate of cable thefts across the town and country, which has been disrupting charge point operators nationwide.
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There have been instances around the country of EV charging cables being stolen
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The initiative showcases a suite of security updates at the 85 Saltergate Charging Hub in Chesterfield, setting a precedent for future ultra-rapid charging locations.
The CHIP initiative introduces several key security features to combat cable theft including a mobile CCTV system, monitored around the clock.
This is complemented by a tannoy system that warns potential criminals they are being recorded, aiming to deter vandalism before it occurs.
Additionally, Be.EV has implemented SelectaDNA-protected cables, each with a unique DNA coating, allowing police to easily trace the origin of stolen cables and link them to specific criminals.
The system is designed to automatically alert local police of any criminal activity, enhancing response times and increasing the chances of apprehending offenders.
The impact of charging cable theft on the industry is significant, with costs estimated to exceed £500,000 due to replacement, repair, and lost income.
Adrian Fielden-Gray, COO of Be.EV, said: “Cable theft is an absolute nightmare for everyone – especially drivers. It’s completely unacceptable to find a charging cable cut when you’re looking to top up – and for what reason?
“There’s hardly any money to be gained from doing this – it’s completely pointless and makes the experience worse for everyone. It’s clearly a terrible customer experience, and the last thing we need when we’re trying to facilitate net zero and make the EV experience as comfortable as possible.”
Be.EV is urging the wider industry to adopt similar security measures across all UK charging hubs to discourage criminal activity and protect the nation’s charging network.
The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar security upgrades across the UK’s charging network.
Fielden-Gray added that the industry needs to ensure criminals never target a charging station again, saying that the partnership with Derbyshire Police and Formula Space would help that remain a possibility.
Similarly, PCSO Emma Shimwell at Derbyshire Police, said the measures being introduced would protect these areas for electric vehicle owners.
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Experts are hoping the rest of the industry will catch up with the new security measures
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She added: “It’s essential for all of us – charge point operators and law enforcement alike – to collaborate effectively and implement robust security measures, just like at Be.EV’s new site protection initiative here at this Chesterfield Hub.
“By installing systems like CCTV, cable DNA tracking, and 24/7 security monitoring, we can deter opportunistic thieves who would think twice before attempting theft or vandalism, knowing it would likely lead to criminal prosecution.”
