Electric car owners are victims of a new crime wave as thieves steal charger cables

ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE, U.K. - March 18, 2022 - PRLog -- Owners of electric cars are falling victim to a new crime wave sweeping the UK - thieves are stealing their charging cables.

The cables, which are required to recharge the cars, then either selling the copper it contains as scrap – or simply selling the cable on the second hand market for up to £200.

Experts predict these thefts could soon dwarf the £10million-a-year cost of replacing more than 10,000 stolen catalytic converters. The sale of electric cars rocketed by 76 per cent last year and there are now more than 400,000 electric vehicles and 750,000 plug-in hybrids on the UK's roads. By 2030, almost all new cars sold will be electric or hybrid, as new petrol or diesel-only engines are banned.

Charging cables are required to power all electric cars. They can be connected via a plug socket on the car's side to one of 42,000 external charge points countrywide. These are found at many petrol stations, dedicated charging sites, or on residential streets. Owners usually store the cables in the car boot. Typically 15ft long, the cables are packed with expensive copper with a scrap metal value of up to £50. Branded replacements can cost up to £700.

The cables are sometimes stolen from the boot, but can also be removed at a charging point if the car is left unattended. Cables are sold to scrap metal dealers, but are more likely to be traded on websites such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace.

Andrew Gillespie, managing director of charging cable website EV Cable Shop, says it is easy for criminals to steal the cables. He says: 'All a thief needs to do is unlock a latch when a car is on charge and take the cable. It is straightforward.

However, once again Linkchargimg Technology ( LINCHR ) is ahead of the field. Their new charger model will include a tamper-proof switch to prevent theft, bringing a measure of security to EV drvers.