Man charged over Christchurch EV charger cable thefts
A 26-year-old Christchurch man has been charged in relation to a series of alleged EV charging cable thefts, including five counts of theft over $2000.
Police have arrested and charged a 26-year-old Christchurch man in relation to a series of alleged thefts of electric vehicle charging cables across Christchurch.
Canterbury Rural Police say the man faces multiple charges, including five counts of theft over $2000. He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday, 13 October.
Police say they have received numerous reports in recent weeks of charging cables being cut and stolen from stations across the district, and that their enquiries are continuing.
“Police have been working closely with victims and industry partners to identify and locate those responsible to hold them to account,” said Inspector Peter Cooper, Canterbury Rural area commander. “While an arrest has been made, our enquiries are ongoing and we are not ruling out further arrests.”
Cooper said the offending had caused significant disruption to EV users and substantial costs to charging network providers.
ChargeNet said last week it was sharing evidence with police and other charging operators after cable theft and vandalism took several of its Canterbury sites offline. Meridian, BP and NPD sites in the region have also been affected.
Police are asking anyone with information about suspicious activity around charging stations, or about stolen items, to contact them online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105. Information can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
As the matter is before the courts, police say they cannot comment further.
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