EV Drivers Pull Up To Charging Station, Discover Thieves Stripped the Copper

Electric vehicle charging stations have emerged as a new target for these opportunistic thieves who want copper.

Numerous charging ports, particularly in urban areas, have fallen victim to vandalism, with culprits cutting off the charging cords.

In a recent incident in Vallejo, California, vandals severed all charging cables at a Tesla Supercharger station, rendering the facility completely non-operational.

Thieves are likely motivated by the copper content within these cables.

Copper, though not classified as precious, holds crucial importance in modern society for electronics, engines, and human health.

Its essential nature drives a demand leading to opportunities for quick profits.

Historically, copper theft has been significant, with criminals targeting unguarded sites or isolated poles to illegally obtain the metal.

Fresno, California has experienced thefts at more than 50 out of the total 88 charging stations, with some stations being targeted repeatedly even after repairs.

In Houston, Texas, thieves cut 18 out of 19 charging cords at a single station over a weekend, according to reports.

Similarly, in Vallejo, California, cables from nine charging ports were stolen in a single night, resulting in the thieves making off with nearly twenty cables, as per NBC Bay Area.

Criminals stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of copper cause substantial damages to cities. While some link the thefts to an anti-electric vehicle agenda, the primary motivation for criminals is profit.

The surge in thefts reflects growing desperation in the Bay Area, driven by displacement of the middle class, inflated real estate prices, and leniency towards crime.

San Francisco faces challenges like drug markets, homelessness, and public sanitation issues, raising questions about the effectiveness of lenient policies in addressing societal disparities and harmful behaviors.