A 44-year-old Waterloo man is facing several charges following an investigation by Waterloo regional police into wire thefts from electric vehicle charging stations.
Police are encouraging local businesses to be alert after continued wire thefts from electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Waterloo Region.
Between Jan. 14 and Jan. 26, wire cables were stolen from EV charging stations at eight locations in Waterloo. Locations targeted included car dealerships and other commercial businesses. The thefts occurred during the overnight and early morning hours.
Most recently, on Jan. 26, at around 6 a.m., a male suspect attended the University of Waterloo campus and cut cables off of four EV charging stations.
The male then attempted to gain access to several parked vehicles.
University of Waterloo special constables attended the area, arrested the male, and contacted police.
Officers from WRPS’ neighbourhood policing north division responded to the campus and continued the investigation. Charging cables, bolt cutters, wire cutters, a crowbar and knives were located in the bag carried by the male.
As a result of the investigation, the man was charged with theft under $5,000, possession of break-in instruments, attempted theft under $5,000 from a motor vehicle and failure to comply with a release order.
The accused was held in police custody for a bail hearing.
Police are encouraging businesses to ensure EV charging stations are installed in busy, well-lit areas and to consider installing security cameras to monitor the charging area. Members of the public are also encouraged to contact police if they observe suspicious behaviour around EV charging stations.
The investigation into these incidents is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777.
To provide anonymous information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
