Charger security specialist Formula Space has launched a new product aimed at protecting charging operators from the growing problem of cable theft.
The Cableguard V4 cut protection aims to upgrade public charging devices to withstand attacks from power tools as well as handheld cutters.
With scrap metal values soaring, cable theft is a growing issue for chargepoint operators (CPO). Thieves cut through the high-power cables at public sites to steal the charging leads, which contain large quantities of copper.
Each theft can cost operators up to £1,200 in replacement parts, along with lost earnings through out-of-service devices.
Early anti-theft devices were able to withstand bolt cutters and other hand tools, but organist criminal gangs are now using angle grinders and other power tools to slice through cables in seconds.
Formula Space says its new Cableguard V4 sleeve, which can be fitted in 20 minutes, turns such attacks into long and laborious operations rather than quick slash and grabs.
Vern Pollard, cable theft response expert and director at Formula Space, said, “Operators tell us the problem isn’t just the theft, it’s the escalation in the severity of the attack and the extent of the damage. As thieves get more sophisticated, CPOs need us to apply the same thinking to the theft prevention solutions we create. V4 cut protection is our direct answer to that: a new technology that not only protects cables from being taken in high-risk areas but also acts as a deterrent for the future.”
Cable theft is believed to have cost UK CPOs millions of pounds in the last four years, and cases in France this year alone have been valued at €13 million in damage and losses.
Among operators who are adopting the new technology is Kempower. Lee Barnett, its solutions and service manager for the UK and Ireland, commented: “A key element to driving forward the EV transition is instilling in people a feeling of trust and confidence in available charging infrastructure.
“Rising crime involving charging cables is damaging both to EV charging businesses and to public perceptions and experience. We chose to lead the way and become Formula Space’s testing partner for Cableguard so we could offer our customers and partners a solution we truly believe in and to uphold our overall mission of supporting the transition to clean transportation.”
