ChargeNet working with police on Canterbury charger cable thefts

ChargeNet says it is working with police and other charging operators to track down those responsible for a run of cable thefts and vandalism that has taken several of its Canterbury charging sites offline.

In a statement posted to its customers, the charging network said it was sharing evidence and information with NZ Police and other operators. It said this approach had already worked elsewhere: “Earlier this year, cable theft incidents in Wellington led to offenders being charged and pleading guilty.”

ChargeNet said it was also trialling additional deterrents with its site partners, while keeping chargers accessible, and restoring damaged sites as quickly as possible. Outage updates are posted on its social media channels and in the ChargeNet app.

The company asked anyone who sees a theft in progress, or is in immediate danger, to stay safe and call police on 111. Damage at a ChargeNet site can be reported on 0800 224 274.

ChargeNet’s new Kaiapoi charger was put out of action after its cables were vandalised in September, and other operators have been hit too. According to the ODT, charging sites at NPD Amberley, NPD Islington, NPD Ferry Rd Tower Junction, Victoria Park, Rangiora Library and William St in Lincoln were damaged in similar incidents last month, with many taken offline temporarily.

This week the fast charger at BP Wild Bean Cafe Redcliffs in Christchurch was put out of service after its cable was cut and taken overnight on Tuesday, 6 October. The station posted security footage showing a man in dark clothing, with his face covered, removing the cable, and asked anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact police on 105, quoting file number 2924774NN.

Meridian chief customer officer Lisa Hannifin told the NZ Herald the company was “really disappointed” by the vandalism. Meridian says it has shared images of suspected thieves with scrap metal yards, added security measures including modifications that allow cables to be traced, and replaced some cables.

Copper theft is also hitting Canterbury farms. Police are investigating 12 thefts of copper cabling from irrigators north of Christchurch, with losses of more than $130,000, 1News reports.