Wire cables stolen from 8 electric vehicle charging stations in Waterloo

A stock image at an EV charging station. (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg)

Police are encouraging local businesses to be on alert after wire cables were stolen from eight EV charging stations in Waterloo.

According to Waterloo Regional Police, the thefts happened between Jan. 14 and 16 during the overnight and early morning hours. Police said car dealerships and other commercial businesses were targeted.

Most recently, on Jan. 26 at 6 a.m., police said a man was at the University of Waterloo campus and cut cables off of four EV charging stations.

Police believe the man attempted to get into several parked vehicles.

Special constables with the university went to the area, arrested the man and contacted police.

Police responded and continued the investigation.

Charging cables, bolt cutters, wire cutters, a crowbar and knives were found in a bag the man was carrying.

A 44-year-old Waterloo man was charged with theft under $5,000, possession of break-in instruments, attempted theft under $5,000 from a motor vehicle and failure to comply with a release order.

He was held in police custody for a bail hearing.

Police are asking businesses to make sure EV charging stations are installed in busy, well-lit areas and to consider installing security cameras to monitor the charging area.

Members of the public are also encouraged to call police if they observe suspicious behaviour around EV charging stations.

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.