National charging network provider Be.EV has announced a partnership with electric vehicle (EV) charging space specialist Formula Space and Derbyshire Police to crack down on charging cable vandalism in Chesterfield.
Theft and vandalism have been estimated to cost the industry upwards of £500,000 based on the cost of replacement, repair and lost income – a major issue for Be.EV’s 700 live charge points.
In formulating this partnership, Be.EV has called upon the industry to ensure that charging hubs are properly equipped to deter and, if that fails, surveil crimes occurring in the vicinity.
The charge point operator has showcased its suite of security updates to drivers at the launch of the initiative at the 85 Saltergate Charging Hub in Chesterfield.
COO of Be.EV, Adrian Fielden-Gray, said: “Cable theft is an absolute nightmare for everyone – especially drivers. It’s completely unacceptable to find a charging cable cut when you’re looking to top up – and for what reason?
“The industry’s number one priority needs to be making sure these criminals never consider vandalising a charging site ever again.
“That’s why we’re now investing heavily in protective measures whilst working closely with Derbyshire Police and our partners Formula Space.”
The charge network provider has installed a mobile CCTV system which is monitored around the clock, and a tannoy system to warn people that they’re being recorded, deterring potential crimes from occurring.
The Chesterfield hub should, Be.EV hopes, provide a template for the rest of the industry to follow and to stop the vandals once and for all.
Earlier this year, public rapid charging network provider InstaVolt similarly warned that it was cracking down on crime.
InstaVolt saw more than 20 of its EV charging sites across the Midlands and Yorkshire targeted by gangs since November 2023.
In response, Instavolt installed extra CCTV; introduced security patrols; used SmartWater to tag property and utilised tracking devices to ensure its cables could be identified.
Derbyshire Police’s PCSO Emma Shimwell said: “It’s essential for all of us – charge point operators and law enforcement alike – to collaborate effectively and implement robust security measures, just like at Be.EV’s new site protection initiative here at this Chesterfield Hub.
“By installing systems like CCTV, cable DNA tracking, and 24/7 security monitoring, we can deter opportunistic thieves who would think twice before attempting theft or vandalism, knowing it would likely lead to criminal prosecution.”
Achievements and innovations EV charging infrastructure will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
