EV charge point operator Be.EV has teamed up with Formula Space and Derbyshire Police to address the growing issue of charging cable vandalism in Chesterfield. The initiative, called Charging Hub Intelligent Protection (CHIP), aims to protect local charging stations and ensure they remain accessible to drivers.
Theft of EV charging cables has become a serious problem across the UK, costing the industry over £500,000 in repairs, replacements, and lost revenue. The new CHIP system introduces round-the-clock CCTV monitoring, alongside a tannoy system to deter would-be criminals by informing them they are being recorded.
In addition to the surveillance measures, Be.EV has installed cables protected by SelectaDNA, a forensic marking system that links stolen cables to their original location, making it easier for police to trace and prosecute offenders. Any criminal activity on-site automatically triggers an alert to local authorities, enhancing response times.
The security upgrades were unveiled at Be.EV’s 85 Saltergate Charging Hub in Chesterfield, which serves as a model for future charging locations. The company is urging other charge point operators to adopt similar security measures to safeguard the UK’s EV infrastructure.
Cable theft remains a widespread issue affecting EV drivers nationwide. The Chesterfield site offers a potential solution, setting a new standard for protecting critical EV charging networks across the country.
Adrian Fielden-Gray, COO of Be.EV, 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? There’s hardly any money to be gained from doing this - it’s completely pointless and makes the experience worse for everyone.
“It’s clearly a terrible customer experience, and the last thing we need when we’re trying to facilitate net zero and make the EV experience as comfortable as possible.
“The industry’s number one priority needs to be making sure these criminals never consider vandalising a charging site ever again. We need to come together, and use the full force of the law to crack down on thieves and scrap dealers alike.
“That’s why we’re now investing heavily in protective measures whilst working closely with Derbyshire Police and our partners Formula Space. We’re working hard to eliminate the problem for Chesterfield’s EV drivers, and ensure that our ultra-rapid Charging Hubs remain available to communities across the UK."
PCSO Emma Shimwell at Derbyshire Police, 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.”
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