The New Crime Sweeping The UK – Electric Charger Cable Theft

04 March 2022

We often hear stories of new spates of theft, and it’s no surprise opportunists are now taking a liking to electric cars. Or, more precisely, electric car chargers!

These thefts were first highlighted as a prominent issue in 2021. The reason for the increase in thefts? There are two possible answers. The chargers contain materials such as copper that can be sold for scrap. Or they’re sold in the second-hand market.

But how do thieves get hold of an electric car charger? Not surprisingly, when your car is on charge and left unattended, it can be taken straight from the electric point. Others have had chargers stolen from the boot of their vehicle.

The real cost of electric car charger theft

Experts are warning the cost of electric car charger thefts could rocket in the next decade. Currently, there are around 400,000 electric cars and 750,000 hybrid vehicles on the road. Plus, after 2030, all new cars will be powered by electricity.

This increase in electric vehicles will make thefts more likely. The costs could overtake the current £10 million a year to replace catalytic converters, another favourite for thieves.

Cables are likely to be sold on second-hand websites such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace. So, experts are urging people to be vigilant or cautious of the origins of these.

Many scrap and recycling businesses are also seeing increased questions regarding electric car chargers – most often, how much they would pay for one. For example, the scrap value for materials in a cable may be worth around £50. Plus, second-hand chargers are being sold for around £200.

The issue for drivers is the cost to replace them. While your insurance might foot the bill, it’s still a claim. And replacements can cost around £700 or more.

An easy target

Experts warn that it is relatively straightforward for thieves to take cables, especially while they’re on charge. If your vehicle is tethered or otherwise locked to the car and charge point, this doesn’t stop them from removing it with force. The costs then mount if damage occurs.

Software experts also highlighted that some EV chargers had cyber security flaws, which meant they could be accessed remotely to unlock charge points.

While there are no official figures on electric car charger thefts, it is a growing crime. So much so that the Association of British Insurers has said insurance premiums could rise.

Clearly, this isn’t great news for electric car owners. However, there are some things you can do to protect your cable.

How to protect your electric car charger from theft

Charge your vehicle at home

While it’s not always possible to charge up at home, this is a great way to minimise thefts. In addition, installing an electric charge point on your property provides extra security from prying eyes. Opt for a charger in a garage or away from street view if you can. This will give you more security and peace of mind.

Use a padlock

Padlocks are one of the best ways to deter thieves, and they can be used on cables. In addition, many electric vehicles have a loop to secure your lock in place while it’s charging. For example, the Nissan Leaf has this loop above the charging port.

In some cases, and depending on the wheels you have, you can loop the cable through the wheel and place the padlock on the cable.

Use a secure box in your boot

While some cables are stolen from boots when not in use, that’s not to say you shouldn’t use them. Instead, opt for a secure box to store your cable when not in use to make it harder for opportunists.

Remove the charger from the boot overnight

The boot is the easiest place to store your charger. However, it’s also the most obvious and the first place thieves will look. So, instead of leaving it in your car overnight, remove it and store it securely inside until you need it again. It might be a little inconvenient, but it’ll save the cost of an expensive replacement.

Install a dash camera

Dash cameras aren’t just great for extra reassurance on the road – they can be a great deterrent for unwanted attention while you’re parked up. Opt for cameras that work while the car is off and charging, so it films any nearby contact with your vehicle. While it might not stop someone from stealing the cable, you might get a good look at the perpetrator, which is helpful for the police. 

CCTV at home

Electric car charger thefts happen while people are out and about and at home. So, install CCTV near the charging area for extra peace of mind. This can help identify unwanted guests but may also deter them from taking your charger.

Will technology change to secure chargers better in the future?

Many electric vehicles have systems that protect and secure the charger. However, they are currently not foolproof. This is a relatively new technology, and there will be teething problems. For example, some Tesla owners faced issues over winter due to freezing temperatures. This meant the locking mechanisms didn’t work correctly. But, like most technologies, updates come quickly, and Tesla introduced a ‘cold weather improvements’ fix to address the issue.

There is a possibility of seeing improved security for chargers in the future, as this will be the norm for new vehicles. The advice from many experts regarding car charger theft is simply to keep them secure and be vigilant when charging outside the home. However, metal theft is nothing new, and with the increase in EVs, the possibility of this type of theft is rising.