InstaVolt successfully recovered £7,000 worth of stolen EV charging cables using its GPS tracking system. The charge point operator’s security tech helped police track down thieves who targeted the company’s Bedford location.
The GPS system alerted InstaVolt’s team on December 6 when cables went missing from the Bell Farm Way charging site. Field service manager Chris Salmon immediately contacted local police.
Officers coordinated with the charging operator to confirm the theft. Two cables had been stolen from the site’s eight charging points.
Police haven’t made arrests yet, but InstaVolt’s tracking data provided crucial evidence for the investigation.
The next day brought another attempted theft. InstaVolt’s GPS tech again helped police track down a vehicle and recover stolen cables.
Growing Problem Costs Millions
Cable theft has become a major headache for charging operators across the UK. The criminal activity costs millions in damage, replacements, and security measures.
Each stolen cable costs around £1,200 to replace. Between November 2023 and July 2024, InstaVolt lost approximately £410,000 worth of equipment to thieves.
The thefts also pull engineers away from network expansion and upgrades – slowing the rollout of new charging infrastructure.
“Cable theft is a serious and growing challenge for the sector. It directly affects drivers who rely on public charging to go about their daily lives and weakens confidence in EV infrastructure,” said Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt.
“Protecting the reliability of our network is a top priority for us, and this incident shows just how important fast action and strong partnerships are.”
Lane praised his team’s quick response to the Bedford theft.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Chris’ outstanding response. His quick thinking not only prevented further loss but also kept these sites open for our customers.”
Network-Wide Security Rollout
InstaVolt announced its anti-theft measures in October. The company plans to install GPS tracking across its entire UK network of 2,000 charge points.
The security system helps maintain reliable charging access for EV drivers. Cable theft often leaves charging sites completely unusable until repairs are completed.
“We will continue working closely with police forces and local authorities to safeguard our infrastructure and maintain the dependable charging experience drivers expect from InstaVolt,” Lane added.
The successful recovery demonstrates how technology partnerships with law enforcement can protect critical EV infrastructure. Other charging operators are watching similar security measures as cable theft continues affecting the industry.
