AC Charging Cable Theft Is On the Rise: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on UK roads continues to grow, so too does the unfortunate rise in opportunistic crime—specifically, theft of AC EV charging cables. Whether you're charging your EV on the driveway or at a public charger, it's worth knowing how and why these thefts happen, and more importantly, what you can do about it.

Why Are EV Charging Cables Being Stolen?

AC charging cables are being targeted for a few key reasons:

Copper inside the cable has resale value as scrap.

Unsecured cables are easy to unplug or cut and walk away with.

Second-hand markets for EV accessories are growing, making it easier to resell stolen items.

Thieves are often looking for quick wins—easy-to-grab cables left unattended, particularly overnight.

How Can You Protect Your Charging Cable at Home?

While no method is fool proof, there are several ways to make your setup less attractive to would-be thieves:

Install CCTV or motion-activated lights: Visibility is a deterrent. The more exposed your charging setup is, the less likely it is to be targeted.

Avoid leaving your cable out when not in use: Unplug and store your cable inside whenever possible.

Use a wall-mounted tethered charger: These are more secure and harder to remove than a standalone cable.

What Should You Do If Your Cable Is Stolen or Damaged?

If your cable has been stolen:

Report it to the police: Even if recovery is unlikely, it helps them track crime trends in your area.

Check your home insurance policy: Some policies cover accessories like EV cables.

Let your neighbours know: They may not be aware this kind of theft is happening locally.

If your cable has been partially cut or damaged but not entirely removed, do not attempt to use it. Damaged cables can be extremely dangerous.

The Danger of Cutting a Live Cable

It's not just property loss—cutting a live EV charging cable can be fatal. These cables often carry high-voltage electricity, and tampering with them while connected to a power source puts both the thief and others at risk of serious injury or death.

Don’t Bin It—Repair It

At EV Cables, we understand that replacing a stolen or damaged charging cable can be frustrating and expensive. That’s why we offer a cable repair service for customers who’ve experienced partial damage—whether it’s from vandalism, accidental cuts, or general wear and tear.

If your cable is:

• Cut or nicked but mostly intact
• Frayed at the handle or plug
• Showing signs of damage

We may be able to salvage and safely repair it, saving you the cost of buying a completely new one and helping reduce waste.

As EVs become more common, so too will challenges like cable theft. But with a few precautions and a backup plan in place, you can stay one step ahead. And if the worst does happen, remember—we’re here to help.

Need a cable repaired?
Contact our support team here or visit our Repair Services page to get started.