The city of Minneapolis has declared 2023 as the most challenging year for wire thefts, having spent hundreds of thousands of dollars replacing stolen copper wiring in streetlights. Now, a new target for thieves has emerged as they cut cables at EV Spot Network charging stations.
This trend is not isolated, affecting both Minneapolis and St. Paul, with some locations falling victim to repeated thefts, resulting in substantial financial losses. Despite the thefts, Minneapolis’s Public Works Department notes that the charging cables contain limited copper, as they consist of various materials and insulation.
According to a recent Facebook post by Minneapolis police, a pound of copper is only valued at a few dollars, while the city incurs thousands in replacement and damage costs for stolen charging cables.
Minneapolis has already replaced 44 cables, with over 20 more awaiting replacement as of last week, presenting a significant challenge for the Public Works Department.
Joe Laurin of Minneapolis Public Works expressed frustration, stating, “It’s frustrating for everybody.” HOURCAR, managing the Evie car-sharing program in the Twin Cities, reported drivers’ frustrations in finding operational chargers.
To combat theft, Minneapolis is enhancing security measures, including the installation of cameras, signage, and collaboration with recycling centers to identify stolen copper.
St. Paul is also grappling with cord-cutting at EV charging stations, urging the public to report any tampering incidents to the police.
