A new initiative to crack down on charging cable vandalism is now underway, providing a blueprint for similar schemes across the UK.

The new security features will now be a staple at future Be.EV locations

National charging network Be.EV has partnered with Derbyshire Police and EV charging space specialist Formula Space to clamp down on charger vandalism and keep locations safe and available for drivers in Chesterfield.

The ‘Charging Hub Intelligent Protection’ initiative, or CHIP, launches in response to the recent spate of cable thefts across the town and delivers a suite of security updates at the 85 Saltergate charging hub.

The installation previews future Be.EV ultra-rapid charging locations and the charge point operator is calling on the industry at large to ensure charging hubs nationwide are equipped with similar security features, stopping criminals from damaging the UK’s charging network.

Cable theft is a massive issue disrupting charge point operators across the country. Theft and vandalism costs the industry upwards of £500,000 based on the cost of replacement, repair and lost income.

The CHIP scheme declares war on this with a mobile CCTV system that’s monitored around the clock, and a tannoy system to warn any gangs of criminals that they’re being recorded.

In addition, the site’s new SelectaDNA protected cables each feature a unique DNA coating, meaning the police can easily trace their origin, associate them with a criminal and hold the vandals to account.

These new security features will now be a staple at future Be.EV locations – and the Chesterfield hub provides a template for the rest of the industry to follow.

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.”

PCSO Emma Shimwell at Derbyshire Police added: “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 such as 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.”