Surge in EV charging cable thefts prompts warning from Richmond RCMP

Richmond RCMP provided this photo of an EV charging cable along with a warning about a surge in thefts in the city on June 15, 2026.

A “notable increase” in thefts of EV charging cables from homes in Richmond, B.C., prompted a warning from police Monday.

The cables are being stolen from homes and investigators have observed a pattern in some of the recent reports, the Richmond RCMP said in a statement.

“Surveillance footage shows a suspect arriving on an electric bicycle and targeting charging cables from residential properties. Police believe the incidents are opportunistic in nature,” a spokesperson for the detachment wrote.

The charging cables are being stolen to be resold, police said, adding that they are both “valuable” and “relatively easy to remove.”

Electric vehicle owners are advised to take precautions to prevent these types of thefts, including storing cables in a secure place when they are not in use and installing security cameras and motion-sensor lights. Residents are also encouraged to report suspicious activity.

Mounties are still trying to determine if the thefts are related and ask anyone with information about the recent rash of incidents to call 604-278-1212.