Rising global metal prices make electric vehicle (EV) charging cables a target for thieves seeking high-value copper. 

Public charging hubs located in isolated, poorly lit, or unmonitored locations such as motorway service areas, car parks and industrial estates are being targeted.

While public charging hubs are the primary target for organised thieves, opportunistic thieves across the UK have targeted residential driveways – sometimes cutting tethered cables off wall boxes or unplugging untethered cables if they aren’t locked electronically.

The warning comes after several cables were stolen from an industrial estate near Inverurie.

Prevent EV Cable Theft

Call Police Scotland on 101 (or 999 in emergencies) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to report suspicious activity.

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland’s North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division’s Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.