Police arrested a 29-year-old after 11 EV fast-charging stations across more than 100 kilometres of New South Wales were damaged in what investigators now say was an alleged cable-theft spree. Officers recovered 17 cut high-voltage connectors, cutting tools, bags of stripped copper and a Taser during a raid in Kahibah. The suspect faces 26 charges, with reported losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and industry groups are trialling protections such as Cable Guard while pushing for tighter scrap-dealer ID rules.
Man Arrested After 11 EV Fast-Charging Sites Targeted Across NSW; Police Seize 17 Cut Connectors, Cutters and a Taser
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Police in New South Wales have arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with damage to 11 electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations spanning more than 100 kilometres. What was first reported as possible anti-EV vandalism now appears to be an alleged cable-theft rampage that left multiple public chargers unusable and drivers facing disrupted trips.
What Police Say They Found
During a search of a home in Kahibah, near Newcastle, officers reportedly recovered 17 cut high-voltage charging connectors still attached to their cables, industrial cutting tools, bags of stripped copper and a Taser, according to content creator The Electric Viking (@electricviking), who cited reporting by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Investigators say the incidents affected locations including Gosford, Erina, Tuggerah, Newcastle, Hamilton, Swansea and Raymond Terrace. Police followed sightings of a distinctive white Ford Ranger near several damaged sites and subsequently arrested the suspect, who faces a total of 26 charges — including 10 alleged theft offences and 11 counts related to damaging or destroying property — plus separate alleged drug, weapons and driving offences. Authorities estimate the damage runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Impact on Drivers and Industry
Cut cables render fast chargers inoperable, interrupt journeys and can leave EV drivers with few nearby alternatives. Commenters and industry observers have pointed out a stark imbalance: the scrap value of recovered copper is low, while the cost to repair or replace charging infrastructure is high. Reported copper scrap rates in Australia are roughly AU$9–13 per kilogram, yet a single damaged charger can cost thousands to restore.
Responses and Preventive Measures
Operators and industry groups are trialling physical and procedural countermeasures. The Electric Viking reported that EV Networks is testing a product called Cable Guard, which combines a tougher protective sleeve with a traceable liquid designed to mark suspects, tools and vehicles if a cable is removed. Tighter identification rules for scrap dealers are also being discussed to make it harder to fence stolen metal without detection.
One local commenter summed up the public reaction: '50 bucks of copper. 5000 bucks of damage.'
Next Steps
The accused remains in custody. Defence counsel reportedly proposed a bail condition requiring him to stay at least 100 metres from charging stations. Police and members of the public have expressed skepticism about the suspect's reported claim that he lent his vehicle to an unidentified friend who committed the offenses.
Authorities are continuing their investigation; charges remain allegations until proven in court.
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