Two men have been arrested yesterday after a spate of electric vehicle charger and cable thefts in the Hutt Valley.
Inspector Shaun Lingard, Hutt Valley Area Prevention Manager, says Hutt Valley Police had received 16 reports of EV charger theft in May alone.
"These were a mix of council-owned infrastructure and chargers owned by private companies intended for public use.
"The thefts were hugely frustrating for the owners, as well as for those members of the public trying to utilise these services.
"Police have been investigating these thefts at pace and working to build a picture of the offending."
The investigation included a review of CCTV footage compiled by Hutt City Council's CCTV operator, providing valuable insights into how the offending may be linked.
Last night, a search warrant was executed at a Naenae address. Six EV chargers and several cables were located, along with equipment consistent with an operation to break down chargers into parts for on-sale.
Two men, aged 37 and 39, were arrested, and will appear before the Hutt Valley District Court in relation to the offending.
"We are hugely pleased to have identified these alleged offenders and put them before the courts to hold them to account," says Inspector Lingard.
"We expect these arrests will make a significant impact in terms of the offending we have been seeing in the Hutt Valley, and this should send a message to anyone else thinking EV chargers are an easy target."
Anyone who sees someone tampering with EV chargers or cables is urged to report it as soon as possible through 111.
To make a report after the fact, please use our 105 service.
