Canterbury EV charging stations vandalised in suspected cable-metal theft bid
Multiple electric vehicle charging stations across Canterbury have been vandalised in an alleged bid to take metals from inside the cables.
Charging stations at NPD Ferry Rd Tower Junction, Victoria Park, Rangiora Library and on William St in Lincoln are all offline and unavailable for use after they were left damaged.
Meanwhile, the NPD station in Amberley has eight charge points offline, and the NPD Islington station has four offline.
The Oxford Farmers Market charging station has two charging points offline.
Lisa Hannifin, Meridian chief customer officer, said the power company was “really disappointed” the stations had been vandalised.
Hannifin said staff were working closely with authorities and had shared images of “suspected thieves” with scrap metal yards.
“We’re working closely with authorities, connecting with other charging providers who have been impacted by similar incidents, and sharing images of suspected thieves with scrap metal yards.”
Hannifin said Meridian had also invested in additional security measures to better protect the network, including modifications that can trace cables.
“While some cables have since been replaced, this damage is hugely frustrating and disruptive for our customers,” Hannifin said.
“And it’s hard to understand why people commit these sorts of acts – cables have limited value, and their theft or damage generally ends with arrests.”
Police have been approached for comment.
In August, several brass memorial plaques were taken from across Christchurch city.
Superintendent Lane Todd, metro commander, said at the time the plaques were taken from the Latimer Square and the Bridge of Remembrance areas sometime overnight on August 11-12.
Christchurch City Council confirmed it was aware a brass plaque had been taken and was seeking a replacement that would deter future thefts.