In February 2025, police issued a warning to the public about ongoing copper wire thefts through the tampering of switching cubicles. As reports of copper wire theft continue to increase, police have noticed that electric vehicle charging cables are being targeted and are working with innovative technologies that have been introduced at charging stations across the city to help with the recovery of stolen cables.
Approximately 168 reports of copper wire theft have been reported to police this year, compared to about 318 reports last year. Included in this year’s figures are seven reports of copper wire theft at electric vehicle charging stations. Police estimate the thefts at charging stations have caused about $20,000 in damages at this time. Additionally, it is believed copper wire thefts at large have caused millions of dollars of damage to various infrastructure across the city in the last two years alone.
While police are seeing an increase in copper wire thefts, including at electric vehicle charging stations, they believe this issue is still underreported.
The City of Edmonton’s March 2025 pilot launch of anti-theft technology for charging cables in electric vehicle charging ports across the city has proven to be a helpful tool in police investigations. An example includes an electric vehicle charging cable theft that was reported by a business to police in the area of 112 Avenue and 142 Street on April 9, 2025. Due to the presence of the technology that was used in this charger, police were able to recover it and arrest two male suspects.
The City of Edmonton has continued to work with local charging station owners to facilitate increased education and usage of this deterrent.
"The City of Edmonton is grateful for the Edmonton Police Service's diligent work in addressing the theft of electric vehicle charging station cables," says Livia Balone, Director of Environment and Climate Resilience, Community Activation Planning and Environment Services with the City of Edmonton. "This infrastructure is critical, not only for the convenience of electric vehicle owners, but also for the broader success of our city's energy transition. Ensuring that charging stations are operational and accessible is essential as we work towards a sustainable future that works for everyone."
“While we cannot comment on all of the mechanics that are involved in this technology in order to preserve its effectiveness, we can issue a warning to those who are committing electric vehicle charger thefts,” says A/S/Sgt. Sean Parker with the EPS’ Community Operations Response Section. “With this innovative technology, we have one more tool in our toolbox to successfully locate and arrest suspects. The EPS is committed to collaborating with the City of Edmonton and industry partners in supporting the implementation of anti-theft technologies and combating the persistent issue of copper wire theft across the city."
Anyone who has information about suspects who may have stolen copper wire or electric vehicle chargers is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.