Cables cut at 8 Waterloo EV charging stations, police warning businesses to be alert
Posted Jan 30, 2025 12:50:45 PM.
Last Updated Jan 30, 2025 03:22:08 PM.
Regional Police are investigating several recent thefts targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
The thieves are looking for the copper wire inside the charging cables. According to police between Jan 14. and Jan 26. eight car dealerships and other commercial businesses in Waterloo had cables cut.
In the most recent case on Jan. 26 around 6 a.m., police were called to the University of Waterloo campus after four EV charging stations were cut. A suspect was also spotted trying to enter parked cars in the area.
University of Waterloo campus constables arrested the man involved and found bolt cutters, wire cutters, a crowbar and knives in his possession.
The 44-year-old man from Waterloo is charged with multiple offences including, theft under $5,000, possession of break-in instruments and failure to comply with a release order.
Police are advising businesses to keep a close eye on their charging stations and to consider installing security cameras.
If anyone spots suspicious activity around one of these stations their asked to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
